If you have dry skin, using a moisturizer on your face, neck, and chest daily is basically non-negotiable. The good news? There are plenty of high-quality finds out there that don’t cost a fortune and they’re hiding out in the aisles of your local drugstore.
When choosing a moisturizer, look for one that addresses your specific skin type and needs. Whichever you choose, the best will contain three types of ingredients: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. To help you find the right one for your needs, we researched the top options for pampering parched, cracked, and eczema-prone skin.
Read on for the best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin.
01
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
What We Like
- Absorbs fast
- Lightweight
- Hydrates with hyaluronic acid
What We Don’t Like
- Not for ultra-dry skin
If you want a seriously hydrating face moisturizer that doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy, your best bet is Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel. It’s both dermatologist-recommended and a Byrdie fave. Formulated with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, this gel absorbs quickly and provides all-day hydration. Since it’s non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores, either. Wins all around.
02
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St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer
What We Like
- Rich, creamy feel
- Provides intense hydration
- Softens skin
What We Don’t Like
- Contains mineral oil
If you’re on a budget, St. Ives Renewing Collagen & Elastin Moisturizer is an excellent choice. Infused with elastin and collagen, the hydrating cream may smooth dry skin, while safflower oil helps give your complexion a refreshed, healthy glow.1 This drugstore moisturizer is also non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and certified cruelty-free by PETA. It can be used day or night, either on its own or underneath makeup. Lastly, with a rich, easily spreadable formulation, the 10-ounce container should last for months.
03
of 10
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
What We Like
- Available in two sizes
- Rich, creamy texture
- Helps relieve dry, cracked skin
- Can be used on face and body
What We Don’t Like
- A little greasy
- Contains parabens
When it comes to overall value, the best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin is CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream (the price tag for its 19-ounce tub is pretty much unbeatable). With three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it smooths and restores skin while helping to keep it hydrated for up to 24 hours. It’s also hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, so it’s fantastic for sensitive skin, too.
04
of 10
Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion
What We Like
- Gentle formula
- Unscented
- Can be used on face and body
What We Don’t Like
- Packaging could be improved
Dry skin that’s also sensitive can be tricky to deal with. Thankfully, Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion provides gentle, soothing relief. With shea butter, glycerin, macadamia oil, and vitamins E and B5, it hydrates and replenishes skin instantly.34 Also, this rich facial lotion is non-comedogenic, so you shouldn’t have to worry about clogged pores—you’ll simply be left with soft, moisturized, and smooth skin for up to 24 hours. What’s not to love?
05
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CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
What We Like
- SPF 30
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Contains parabens
Instead of layering sunscreen over your daily moisturizer, why not kill two birds with one stone? For a facial lotion with SPF, we recommend CeraVe’s Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30. Similar to the brand’s Moisturizing Cream, it contains three ceramides for all-day hydration but also has broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection. Plus, the brand’s InVisibleZinc technology allows the extra-fine zinc formula to absorb easily without a white cast
06
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Alaffia Coconut Reishi Night Cream
What We Like
- Nourishing, oil-rich formula
- Smells great
- Not greasy
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Many moisturizers can be used during the day and at night. However, if you like applying an extra-thick cream before bed, we suggest Alaffia’s Coconut Reishi Night Cream. This nourishing facial lotion is formulated to protect and rejuvenate dry skin, thanks to nourishing ingredients like baobab fruit, green tea extract, sweet almond oil, shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera, and melon seed oil.6 Though it’s ideal for dehydrated skin, those with normal, combination, and sensitive skin can also benefit from the moisturizing formula.
07
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Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin
What We Like
- Helps relieve dry, cracked skin
- Moisturizes flaky patches
- Absorbs fast
What We Don’t Like
- Strong scent
If you have eczema-prone skin, you know how hard it can be to find non-irritating products that keep skin hydrated. Vanicream’s Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin isn’t just affordable—it may also help restore normal moisture levels while soothing cracked, itchy, and irritated skin. The sensitive-skin formula is gentle enough for both adults and kids as it’s free of fragrance, dyes, lanolin, and parabens.
It can be used day or night on your face, hands, knees, elbows, and anywhere else that could use some protective hydration. And—if that wasn’t enough—this dermatologist-tested cream has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
08
of 10
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream
What We Like
- Visually plumps skin
- Feels light on the skin
- Works on all skin types
What We Don’t Like
- Not for ultra-dry skin
Unscented face lotions tend to be less irritating than their scented counterparts—especially for those with dry skin. E.l.f. Cosmetics’ Holy Hydration! Face Cream is not only fragrance-free but is also free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. So, what does it contain? This face cream has moisture-locking and plumping hyaluronic acid, squalane for balance and elasticity, and niacinamide for a bright, even complexion.78 It’s also formulated with peptides, which may give dry skin a refreshed, healthy-looking glow that’s never greasy.
09
of 10
Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Refreshing feel
- Can be used around the eyes
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
If you’re partial to gel formulas, reach for Avène’s Hydrance Aqua Gel. A favorite of Byrdie senior editor Hallie Gould, this moisturizer is enriched with Avène’s thermal spring water, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry skin and seal in moisture.3 Plus, it’s super versatile, as it can be used as a daily moisturizer, a night lotion, and an eye cream, or even applied in a thick layer as a hydrating, plumping mask.
10
of 10
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream
What We Like
- Nourishing formula
- Softens skin
- Absorbs fast
What We Don’t Like
- Texture is a little pasty
It can be hard to find a moisturizer that addresses dryness without clogging pores, but this non-comedogenic formula from Eucerin does all that and more. The lotion contains antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene, and Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10) to improve the look of fine lines and protect against free radicals. It also contains more skin-loving ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and biotin.34 Just use daily for a soft, healthy glow.
What to Look For in a Moisturizer
Skin Type-Specific Ingredients
The first step in choosing a moisturizer is to find one that addresses your specific skin type. If you are acne-prone, moisturizers that are oil-free and non-comedogenic may be best, and some moisturizers help keep your skin matte, reducing oiliness and sheen. Those with sensitive skin may require only simple ingredients in their moisturizers.
People with fine lines and wrinkles may want additional anti-aging benefits, and those with dry skin should seek moisturizers that are richer and deeply hydrating.
Humectants
Humectants—which attract water to the skin’s surface—are one type of ingredient that moisturizers should have. They include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other ingredients in your moisturizer that work in tandem with humectants to keep that moisture locked into the skin.7
Emollients
The second component that moisturizers should contain is emollients. Examples of emollients include oils, fatty acids, and ceramides. These saturated and unsaturated substances improve skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling, helping boost skin smoothness, texture, and appearance.7
Occlusives
Finally, occlusives are the third essential ingredient type you’ll find in quality moisturizers. Occlusives form an inert layer on the skin to prevent moisture loss by creating a seal to trap in hydration.7 Examples include waxes and oils such as petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, and lanolin.
FAQ
What does moisturizer do for your face?
Moisturizers add to and protect the moisture in your skin, helping to hydrate dry skin or rehydrate after cleansing. Some moisturizers help soothe sensitive skin, improve skin texture, and boost appearance.
Should I use moisturizer every day?
Using a moisturizer every day is wise. Since daily face washing is recommended to remove dirt and impurities, moisturizing can help to replace any moisture or oils lost from cleansing. Additionally, proper moisturizers will help form a barrier to keep moisture locked into your skin.
Should I moisturize at night or in the morning?
Moisturizing at night and in the morning is best, especially after washing your face. For daytime use, a light moisturizer is ideal for layering with sun protection and makeup. At night, it’s best to use a moisturizer with ingredients suitable for your skin’s specific needs.
