There is a multitude of moisturizers on the market, many with varying ingredients and skin types. We’ve chosen our favorite 19 drugstore moisturizers that are ideal for every kind of skin type.
The “best cheap moisturiser for oily skin” is a drugstore moisturizer that is perfect for anyone with oily skin. This article will list the 19 best drugstore moisturizers of 2022 in order from most to least expensive.
With the introduction of satellite categories such as serums, mists, toners, ampoules, and other products that may easily fill a 10-step regimen, you may believe your trusted moisturizer is no longer enough. However, your skincare regimen — and your moisturizer — don’t have to be expensive to be effective. In reality, there are a slew of inexpensive drugstore moisturizers that perform just as well, if not better, than the more costly options.
“When it comes to moisturizers, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean the product hydrates the skin any better,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology. And Dr. Michelle Henry of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan agrees: “As technology has gotten better, companies have learned to make effective moisturizers with great ingredients at an inexpensive price.”
What, on the other hand, should you search for in a good drugstore moisturizer? Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, thinks the solution is threefold. “Humectants, emollients, and occlusives should all be included in an excellent moisturizer,” she explains. “Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are low-molecular-weight compounds that bind water to the stratum corneum, while emollients aid skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling.” (That’s simply a fancy way of stating the former helps enhance skin texture and look substantially, while the latter plumps the skin.)
Finally, occlusives such as petrolatum or dimethicone “create a protective seal over the skin to prevent loss of water,” Zeichner explains.
Find four top skin care experts’ favorite drugstore moisturizers in a variety of categories above.
“This moisturizer moisturizes without feeling greasy,” Zeichner explains, adding that it can be used on all skin types. “Ceramides are included in the mix to aid in the restoration of a damaged skin barrier.” Ceramides are lipids present naturally in the outer layer of the skin that are decreased in dry skin. Pre- and post-biotics are also included in the moisturizer to aid in the formation of beneficial bacteria on the skin.”
This one is great for all skin types since it’s “filled with ceramides soothing and moisturizing elements” including niacinamide and glycerin, according to Worden.
“This incredibly thick cream absorbs completely without leaving the skin oily,” Zeichner comments. “To soften the skin and fill up fissures in the outer layer, it’s developed with a combination of lanolin, sweet almond oil, and shea butter.”
“This daily moisturizer is packed with hyaluronic acid to plump and rehydrate the skin, while wide spectrum sun protection prevents UV rays that causes premature aging,” Zeichner explains.
This sunscreen is a favorite of Henry’s, and it has over 4,000 5-star evaluations from customers.
“This ultra-light moisturizer is ideal for all skin types, but it’s particularly good for oily or acne-prone folks,” Zeichner explains. “The non-comedogenic formula won’t make you break out, and it offers broad-spectrum UV protection.”
“It includes glycerine and hyaluronic acid, both humectants, as well as mild emollients and occlusives, so the product hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps to lock in moisture, without feeling heavy,” King says of this one. “A really lightweight gel moisturizer delivers adequate moisture but [is] light enough to not make your skin feel heavy with product,” says celebrity esthetician Taylor Worden. She loves to chill it before applying it for an additional chilly sensation.
“This moisturizes while decreasing shine, keeps oil under control, and leaves your face matte,” Worden explains, adding that it’s also fragrance-free and inexpensive.
Cetaphil, a derm-favorite, has released yet another product. This cream is “non-comedogenic and filled with both moisturizing humectants and emollients to seal in moisture,” according to King, making it an excellent face and body lotion. “Glycerin, glyceryl stearate, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E are key constituents,” she notes. “Glycerin is a humectant and emollient that pulls in and locks in moisture to moisturize.” Glyceryl stearate is a skin conditioner that softens the skin by acting as an emollient. Sweet almond oil is an emollient that softens and may assist to renew damaged skin, according to anecdotal evidence. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant that protects against UV damage.”
This selection, which also includes SPF 30, is especially good for oily skin, according to Henry.
“Sunscreen and antioxidants are essential,” adds King, who suggests Melé’s Dew the Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30 since it “contains vitamin E and other hydrating components, as well as niacinamide, which enhances skin tone and texture.”
This non-greasy option, according to Worden, “actually melts into your skin and feels like velvet.”
Worden adds, “This works excellent for dry and sensitive skin since it’s fragrance-free and won’t clog pores.”
According to Worden, this was created for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and it’s “ideal to balance and relax your skin” for anybody who uses harsh acne treatments or creams.
This SPF 30 tinted moisturizer is a favorite of Henry’s, and it has hundreds of 5-star reviews complimenting its dewy, natural coverage.
Because of its mild texture and anti-inflammatory components like oatmeal, King prefers Aveeno’s Positively Radiant CC Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 — but it’s no longer available. This First Aid Beauty choice is a little more expensive, but it has a comparable ingredient list and a smooth finish.
Worden describes Pixi H20 SkinTint as a “gel tinted moisturizer” that is “water-resistant, moisturizing, and lasts all day.” It’s also wonderful for concealing redness.
For those searching for light, natural coverage, Henry recommends this tinted moisturizer.
Worden adds, “It glides on smooth and leaves your skin looking radiant and super-healthy.”
The “best face moisturizer” is the best drugstore moisturizer for every skin type. The list of 19 products covers a wide range of skin types, including dry, oily and combination.
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