Best Drugstore Moisturizers [Review] in 2022
written by nail expert Jess Rowley
Neutrogena Grapefruit Moisturizer
TOP CHOICE
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
OUR PICK
Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM
RUNNER UP
Want that glowy skin but no money in the bank?
Luckily for you, I’ve just spent the last 2 hours on the internet to uncover the best drugstore moisturizers, comparing several articles and hundreds of reviews so you get products that have been tried and tested.
We all know that taking care of your skin can be expensive. That isn’t easy to do when every moisturizer takes a chunk out of your paycheck, or the cheaper moisturizers leave your skin feeling greasy and can sometimes cause breakouts.
There is a solution.
I’ve made sure that every product on this list contains the most hydrating properties as well as good formulas that help to moisturize your skin whilst being value for money.
I’d say all of the products on here are worth a shot, but I’ll tell you right now number 3 is my all-time favorite for daily skin hydration, with a clean formula full of the good stuff, as well as SPF.
Here’s a tip- If you have oily skin, look for oil-free formulas or water-based formulas. For dry skin, go for creams rather than lotions that are oil-based for that extra moisture.
Go on, treat yourself!
6.4k
Reveiws considered
5
hours spent finding
17
Products compared
8
articles
studied
Review of the Best Drugstore Face Moisturizer
Neutrogena Grapefruit Moisturizer
Hands down the best affordable face moisturizer for oily or acne-prone skin.
The Neutrogena Grapefruit moisturizer is designed for breakout-prone skin. It is lightweight and will provide gentle moisture that helps to repair and not aggravate your skin’s barrier.
Formulated with 0.5 % salicylic to treat your skin and prevent breakouts. This makes it perfect for skin that has acne, making it an all in one treatment and moisturizer. This one is a water-based formula to keep things lightweight and not greasy, with no irritants it is an amazing way to treat your skin without putting it off balance or irritating it.
Now, wait until you hear this.
Infused with Grapefruit extract, Neutrogena facial moisturizer has a lovely scent and a smooth consistency your skin will love. It provides gentle moisture for every day, whilst also working to clear acne and unclog pores for a clear complexion.
Neutrogena is a quality, value for money moisturizer. It is an oil-free moisturizer and non-comedogenic contributing to clear skin. It has been dermatologically tested and allergy tested so even the most sensitive skin can benefit from it.
Add this one to your basket!
- Contains salicylic acid
- Grapefruit extract
- Non comedogenic
- Oil free
- Has fragrance
Latest deal: Neutrogena Grapefruit Moisturizer
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
This is one of the best inexpensive moisturizers on the market.
Simple light moisturizer is ideal if you want everyday hydration. I’m talking about moisture with a light, non-greasy feel that you can wear under your makeup. It is specially formulated for more sensitive skin types that need all-day moisture.
I love that this moisturizer has been dermatologically tested to provide lasting nourishment. It contains vitamins B5 and vitamin E which your skin will love.
But wait let me tell you about this.
A great feature of this moisturizer is that it contains Glycerin and Borage seed oil, for those with a drier skin type. That will keep your skin hydrated all day and lock in moisture.
What more can I say? Simple is known to be a leading skincare brand that provides all the right ingredients in its products so you can keep your skin hydrated. It has no dyes, or fragrances, and no harsh irritants making it suitable for even more sensitive skin. it’s a winner!
Click on the blue button below to take a look for yourself!
- No harsh ingredients
- Infused with vitamins
- Contains Glycerin and Borage seed oil
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Not so great for Oily skin
Latest deal: Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM
This is my all-time favorite.
Cerave is long known for its transparent formulas with no hidden harmful ingredients, and this one is no exception. Their AM facial moisturizer has been crafted to provide moisture and hydration to your face without adding extra shine or oil. It’s ideal for a daily cream that has a non-greasy formula for blemish-prone skin.
This oil-free moisturizer has everything you could want in it, from ceramides to repair your skin’s barrier, to niacinamide to minimize pores, and hyaluronic acid to provide your skin with moisture. These two key ingredients will lock in moisture and nourish your skin for all-day hydration.
But that’s not all.
The best part about Cerave is that it contains ceramides to help repair the skin barrier. Ceramides make up 50% of lipids in the skin barrier so this moisturizer is ideal in repairing and nourishing your skin. Plus the hyaluronic acid, the moisture is intense!
Whether you have sensitive, or oily skin Cerave AM moisturizer is a lightweight formula that you can use as a daily moisturizer. It is a moisturizer with spf, with micro fine zinc oxide sunscreen protection, you will have your skin protected and hydrated all day. This gel cream has no fragrance or parabens, for a clean, non-irritating gel cream formula your skin will love.
Overall, I’d say this is the best budget moisturizer for all skin types.
- Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
- Ceramides
- SPF sunscreen
- No parabens or fragrance
- Pores can be clogged by SPF
Latest deal: Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM
NIVEA Original Daily Moisture Body Lotion
If you’re looking for a dermatologically tested moisturizer that does it all, then this one is for you.
The Nivea Original body moisturizer is a lotion that provides relief from dry skin for 48 hours, with nourishing moisture locking properties. To replenish the skin, it has a variety of good ingredients in it so you can reach for this every day.
I love that Nivea body lotion has been enriched with Vitamin E as well as deep moisture serum that penetrates further than just the first layer of skin. Whether you have combination skin or oily skin that quickly gets shiny, this one will do the job.
Now, wait until you hear this.
Nivea has a creamy formula that is easily absorbed and softens your skin, leaving it smooth. That means you can have hydrated skin all year round, including those drier patches such as your elbows and knees. It will cause less irritation and better hydration, so you can get that non-greasy, lightweight feel.
With these ingredients, you can expect happy skin and moisture. It’s great for sensitive skin too, and has been formulated to provide 48 hours of hydration. All in one handy pump bottle, you’ll be reaching for this every day!
It’s worth being on here.
- Vitamin E
- 48 Hours hydration
- Pump bottle
- Suitable for body
- Does not absorb quickly for some people
Latest deal: NIVEA Original Daily Moisture Body Lotion
5.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
If you want a moisturizer inspired by nature, then check this one out.
The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is designed for sensitive skin that needs extra TLC. With natural ingredients and formula free from irritants, it’s more likely to be a kinder and less irritating moisturizing lotion on you than other drugstore moisturizers
Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion has been crafted for daily hydration, whether as a face cream or body. It provides sheer hydration that can last 24 hours, so your skin can be hydrated and happy. In an easy to use pump bottle, you can use this every day to look after your skin
Now, listen to this.
Aveeno lotion promises intense hydration without the greasy feel. It has a fast-absorbing formula that will make it simple to use as a day cream in your skin care. Plus, fragrance-free, its gentle formula will restore your skin’s barrier without irritating it.
Aveeno daily lotion is the ideal option for those who want a more natural product, containing oat extract for a nourishing cream that is also gentle for all skin types. With it you can reap all the benefits of the oat extract in one bottle. Trust me, you’ll love this.
Have a look at the five-star reviews!
- Fragrance free
- 24 hour moisture
- Contains Oat
- Fast absorbing
- Can leave some residue on skin
Latest deal: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Best Drugstore Facial Moisturizer - A Buyer's Guide
We all love a good bargain, but when it comes to what we put on our skin, selecting the right products can be a challenge.
Don’t worry, there are some hidden gems in the drugstore world when it comes to moisturizers, and I’ve set out a few of my personal favorites right here in this buyer’s guide.
Which one will you try?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drugstore moisturizer for aging skin?
For aging skin, go for an anti aging moisturizer with retinol or other good skincare ingredients such as Hyaluronic acid to reduce fine lines. My favorite is the Cerave AM lotion that contains broad spectrum SPF or another moisturizer spf 30 to look after your skin from the sun every day.
Are drugstore moisturizers worth it?
Absolutely! The idea that expensive is better is not always true, it’s all about selecting the right products and looking at the ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. You can find the best drugstore moisturizers for your skin type and budget.
What are the best moisturizers for sensitive skin?
If you have irritated skin, then go for moisturizers that have anti inflammatory properties. Natural ingredients can be best too, such as shea butter, although it can clog pores for some people with excess oil. Salicylic acid is good for acne but may be too strong for sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your skin to the best over-the-counter facial moisturizer. In this list, I’ve put together my favorite top picks of the best cheap face moisturizer that will suit any budget.
Whether you have a moisturizer for oily skin, acne prone skin or a moisturizer for dry skin, there’s something for you here.
Looking after your skin should be for everyone, no matter the cost. Some of my favorite products have come straight from drugstores, and these moisturizers are no exception!
It’s a win for me.
Jess Rowley
Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert
ABOUT
Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.
