The best drugstore moisturizers that actually work, according to dermatologists
You don’t need to invest in $300 formulas to keep your skin hydrated — here’s what to look for in a drugstore option.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
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$26.99
The best drugstore moisturizers will hydrate the skin and protect the skin barrier, according to our experts. Below, I highlight their suggestions about what to consider to ensure you’re getting a quality formula.
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Ranked number 1 when we tested more than 100 moisturizers, this drugstore staple is a classic for a reason. “It can handle any and everything: cracked knuckles, dry elbows, sensitive temples, you name it,” says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz, who received a sample from the brand. “Everyone on our staff who tried this found it simple, reliable and nourishing, regardless of their skin type.” You can use the hypoallergenic formula across the face and body, making it incredibly versatile to have in your arsenal.
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle, recommends this Eucerin night cream because it has a silky texture and is powered by glycerin, making it an excellent choice for use during colder seasons. It also has macro and micro hyaluronic acid molecules, which should smooth and hydrate upper surface layers of the skin, according to the brand. Even though it targets fine lines and wrinkles, it’s still suitable for those with sensitive skin, according to Eucerin.
A popular choice among dermatologists, this formula from Cerave comes recommended by Kopelman, Dupati and Kazlouskaya. It’s gentle, non-comedogenic and free of irritating fragrance, making it great for all skin types. Dupati highlights the fact that the moisturizer has three types of ceramides to maintain the skin barrier, which is helpful for those who are breakout-prone as a weakened skin barrier can worsen acne. It also comes in various sizes (including travel-friendly and jumbo) and can be used on both the face and body.
Vanicream’s Moisturizing Cream is perfect for using during the colder months or after an in-office skin procedure because it’s gentle, non-comedogenic, free of fragrance and soothes irritation, redness and itchiness. You can use it all over: on the face, body, hands and feet, and is suitable for adults and kids alike. Kazlouskaya notes that it has a very rich texture and is ideal for those with very dry skin who need intense hydration.
Former NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez uses it to treat her sensitive, eczema-prone skin daily. “My skin instantly feels more moisturized, appears less dull and all dry, itchy patches disappear,” she says.
If you have oily or combination skin, both Kopelman and Dr. Arjun Dupati, a double board-certified dermatologist with the Apollo Dermatology Clinic, recommends this formula from Neutrogena because it’s lightweight and moisturizes the skin without making it feel greasy. It's also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
“When I started using a prescription-strength retinoid, my skin became so dry it was literally flaking off my face,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. “Every moisturizer I tried stung and further irritated my skin — except this one. It’s so lightweight that you barely feel it, and it has a slightly cooling effect that I find soothing. It absorbs into my skin in seconds and it’s extremely hydrating. I still use it when my skin has extra dry patches, and sometimes I apply it multiple times a day because it feels so good on dry, inflamed skin.”
With ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin, this fragrance- and oil-free moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is a favorite for Kopelman’s and Kazlouskaya’s. The prebiotic thermal water in it helps restore the skin’s natural microbiome, plus it has ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, says Kazlouskaya. You can use the creamy formula on your hands, too, to combat dryness, according to the brand.
“This is one of my favorite everyday moisturizers because it’s super basic and non-irritating,” says Malin. “After I apply it, I wait a few minutes and layer my makeup directly on top — it doesn’t have a greasy finish, so it never makes me look oily or gives my makeup a weird texture.”
The best part about this moisturizer from Olay is that it has both short- and long-term benefits: It uses hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and provide deep hydration upon application, but over time it strengthens the skin barrier for stronger, healthier skin overall.
“After using this once, I immediately noticed a brighter, more even skin tone, and with repeated use I could see my skin becoming firmer and lifted,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez. “As someone with rosacea and eczema-prone skin, I’m wary of what I put on my face, but Olay’s Microsculpting Cream was gentle.”
This moisturizer is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, and therefore less likely to cause irritation in sensitive skin. It uses allantoin to soothe and calm the skin, and it also helps to reduce redness over time, according to the brand. Since it’s also relatively lightweight, it’s a great option for oily skin types or for those who have dry skin underneath makeup.
Consider your skin type
As with all things skin care, your skin type will determine which formula you should choose. Those with dry skin would benefit from formulas with emollients and occlusive ingredients, as they help lock in moisture, prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and keep the skin hydrated for longer, says Kazlouskaya.
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin types still need moisturizer, too. “While this skin type produces excess oil, it can still be dehydrated, leading to a dull appearance,” she says. “Using a lightweight formula helps maintain the skin’s hydration balance without making it feel greasy.” Those with combination skin will benefit from a moisturizer that will help balance out oily parts of the skin (like the T-zone) while hydrating the areas that need it.
Align the ingredients with your desired goals
While all moisturizers are hydrating, some formulas offer additional benefits that may help you achieve your overall skin goals. For instance, for a formula that targets fine lines and wrinkles, look for a moisturizer that also has retinol or peptides: Retinol can help boost collagen production, smooth fine lines and improve texture while peptides help maintain skin firmness and elasticity, says Kopelman.
To help combat acne, look for moisturizers that have a small percentage of vitamin C, BHA or AHA, which Kazlouskaya says can help brighten the skin and promote gentle exfoliation. If you need to soothe irritated skin, seek out calming ingredients like green tea or chamomile.
If you have sensitive skin, choosing the right moisturizer is important for preventing breakouts and irritation. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin:
You should use moisturizers twice a day — in the morning and evening — unless otherwise specified. In the morning, apply after toner and serum, but before sunscreen, says Kopleman. At night, apply as the last step after any treatments. Stick to a nickel-sized amount and apply onto the face and neck, (the neck is just as prone to dryness, says Kopelman).
If you have severely dry skin, Dupati says that the best time to apply a moisturizer is after a shower to help lock in moisture. “Those with severely dry skin should also take showers that are under 10 minutes and with lukewarm water,” he says.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian spoke to board-certified dermatologists and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance. She also included NBC Select-staff favorites.
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