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Credit: MytourKeeping your skin hydrated during the cold, dry winter months requires a reliable moisturizer. However, finding the perfect formula can be challenging—lightweight options often feel greasy, while thicker ones may seem too heavy for daily use. And let’s face it: No one wants to splurge $50 on a small moisturizer they haven’t tested.
Fortunately, effective skincare doesn’t have to be expensive. Over two months, I put 10 drugstore moisturizers—creams, lotions, and gels—to the test, assessing their texture, feel, and hydration levels. While some were quickly dismissed, others became staples in my skincare routine. Stay tuned for my top five picks, along with expert advice from Dr. Steve Xu, a board-certified dermatologist at Northwestern Dermatology and co-founder of Geologie, on choosing the right hydrating moisturizer.
Top Pick
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
IMAGE: AmazonRich enough for nighttime use yet smooth and lightweight, making it ideal for layering under makeup.
It’s among the more expensive choices in this lineup.
La Roche-Posay’s offering is the ideal middle ground for drugstore moisturizers—neither too light nor too heavy, but perfectly balanced. It provides more hydration than a gel without feeling overly dense on the skin. I used it both morning and night without any issues, waking up with soft, hydrated skin and enjoying all-day moisture after my morning application.
The moisturizer includes ceramides to repair the skin barrier, glycerin to attract moisture, and squalane to soften the skin. During testing, it applied effortlessly, and its non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula ensured it didn’t clog pores or interfere with makeup application.
It’s also a favorite of Mytour beauty director Heather Muir Maffei. “This editor-approved product skips the frills but delivers with effective, proven ingredients,” she notes. “It hydrates without leaving my combination skin oily, and there’s even a matte version for those who prefer a less dewy finish.”
Type: Cream | Star Ingredients: Ceramide 3, glycerin, squalane, niacinamide
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: MytourTop Daily Pick
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
IMAGE: AmazonThe featherlight formula glides on effortlessly.
Due to its lightweight nature and my extremely dry skin, I needed to reapply it multiple times during the day.
For a moisturizer ideal for everyday use, the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion is a top choice. During testing, its lightweight texture spread smoothly and absorbed quickly without requiring much effort. Its non-greasy formula also made it perfect for layering under makeup, preventing pilling or shine. It has since become a staple in my daily makeup regimen.
This moisturizer features glycerin to soften and smooth the skin, along with hyaluronic acid to enhance elasticity. Tailored for combination or sensitive skin, its fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula makes it ideal for those with oilier skin. However, it’s not the most hydrating option—I have extremely dry skin and needed to reapply it frequently. That said, it’s perfect for a quick hydration boost in the morning or before applying makeup.
Type: Lotion | Star Ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid
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IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: MytourTop Nighttime Pick
Pond's Dry Skin Cream Facial Moisturizer
IMAGE: AmazonThe cream leaves your skin incredibly soft and smooth.
It’s not very travel-friendly and lacks a pump dispenser.
After two months of testing, the Pond's Dry Skin Cream Facial Moisturizer became my go-to nighttime pick. Its rich, velvety texture provided deep hydration, soothing dry patches without causing irritation. The formula, packed with glycerin and petrolatum, effectively draws moisture to the skin and locks it in.
Out of all the moisturizers I tested, this one left my skin feeling the softest. Despite its thick texture, it glided on effortlessly and absorbed quickly without much effort. The scent is also delightful—clean and fresh, reminiscent of a relaxing self-care evening with your favorite candles.
Note that it comes in a jar, which requires dipping your fingers in, making it less travel-friendly and hygienic compared to pump bottles. However, this is a minor trade-off given its exceptional quality.
Type: Cream | Star Ingredients: Petrolatum, glycerin
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: MytourTop Pick for Dry Skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
IMAGE: AmazonIt deeply nourishes and soothes, even on irritated skin, and is suitable for full-body use.
It requires some effort to blend in and may feel too heavy for daytime use.
CeraVe has earned its reputation, and its moisturizing cream lives up to the hype. The rich, creamy texture is perfect for dry skin, thanks to ingredients like ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum, which strengthen the skin barrier and deliver deep hydration. It’s also incredibly versatile—ideal for your face, body, or anywhere else. I keep the travel-sized version for my face and the larger tub for my body.
As someone with eczema, this is one of the few moisturizers that never causes irritation or stinging. It’s thick enough to provide intense hydration without being overly sticky. The only drawback is its heaviness—applying it before heading out can feel greasy, especially in warm weather. I prefer using it post-shower when my skin feels particularly dry and sensitive.
Type: Cream | Star Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, petrolatum
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: MytourTop Gel Pick
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
IMAGE: AmazonIt’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and provides hydration, combining the best qualities of a gel and cream.
It may not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry skin.
While gel-based moisturizers often feel slippery, the Versed Dew Point Gel-Cream strikes a perfect balance—lightweight like a gel yet hydrating like a cream. Its cooling formula glided effortlessly over my skin, leaving no residue. I was amazed by its hydrating power, as it absorbed instantly, leaving my skin soft and refreshed. However, its lighter texture made it less ideal for overnight use. As someone with very dry skin, I loved it for daytime but opted for a richer cream at night.
This moisturizer features sodium hyaluronate, akin to hyaluronic acid, and aloe leaf juice, which hydrates and soothes without greasiness. Its smooth texture made it ideal for my gua sha routine, allowing the tool to glide seamlessly. It also became my favorite makeup base—I even mixed it with bronzing drops before applying concealer.
Type: Gel-cream | Star Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, squalane, glycerin, aloe leaf
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: Mytour
IMAGE: MytourAdditional Drugstore Moisturizers Worth Trying
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Acid Water Gel Moisturizer: This water-based gel applies smoothly, and a small amount is sufficient. However, I found the texture slightly chilly and slippery, and it took a while to absorb into my skin.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Face Cream: I was amazed by how hydrating this cream was—it left my skin feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized. However, it felt a bit heavy for my liking, and the product dispensed too quickly from the bottle.
MytourFinal Recommendation
After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer as my top drugstore pick. It strikes the perfect balance—rich enough to deeply nourish yet light enough for everyday use. For a makeup-friendly option, the Versed Dew Point Gel-Cream is a smooth, fast-absorbing, and hydrating choice.
Tips for Choosing a Drugstore Moisturizer
Key Ingredients to Look For
When choosing a drugstore moisturizer, deciphering the fine-print ingredients can be tricky, but it’s crucial to understand what you’re applying to your skin. As you shop, you’ll encounter three primary ingredient categories: humectants, occlusives, and emollients.
Dr. Xu explains that humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, attract water to the skin’s surface. Glycerin works primarily on the top layer, while hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper—it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a hydration powerhouse.
Occlusives lock in moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin. A well-known example is petrolatum (or petroleum jelly), the main ingredient in Vaseline. It creates a thin layer that prevents water loss and keeps skin hydrated.
Finally, emollients play a vital role. “Emollients soften the skin by filling gaps between skin cells,” says Dr. Xu. He highlights squalene, a natural component of the skin’s sebum, as a standout emollient. Its similarity to the skin’s natural lipids makes it excellent for maintaining and boosting moisture levels.
Skin Type
Moisturizers aren’t universal, and different skin types need different formulations. Dr. Xu explains that cream-based moisturizers are ideal for dry and sensitive skin due to their thicker consistency, which creates a lasting protective barrier.
For dry skin, Dr. Xu suggests opting for a richer cream-based moisturizer. If you have dry skin (like me), CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Ponds Dry Skin Cream are excellent choices. For acne-prone or oily skin, look for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores. Water-based gels or serums are ideal for their lightweight, non-greasy feel.
If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Xu advises avoiding fragrances, as they can cause irritation or allergic reactions. For aging skin, he recommends moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, as mature skin tends to produce less natural oil.
Common Questions
What ingredients should you seek or avoid in a moisturizer?
Dr. Xu recommends seeking moisturizers with humectants, occlusives, and emollients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, petrolatum, and squalene. He advises avoiding products with fragrances or parabens, as they can irritate the skin and offer no real benefits.
What other products pair well with a drugstore moisturizer?
Dr. Xu suggests incorporating a serum and sunscreen into your skincare regimen. He stresses that SPF is crucial year-round, regardless of the season. “Whether you’re at the beach in summer or driving in winter, sun protection is vital for skin health,” Dr. Xu explains.
Which is better: cream-based or gel-based moisturizers?
Dr. Xu notes that there’s no universal “better” option—it depends on your skin type and needs. Cream-based moisturizers are typically better for dry skin or nighttime use, as their thicker texture locks in moisture. During testing, my favorites for bedtime were the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Ponds Dry Skin Cream.
For oily skin or a makeup-friendly option, gel-based moisturizers are ideal due to their lightweight, breathable texture. “I personally favor gel-based formulas because they’re light and can be reapplied as needed throughout the day,” says Dr. Xu. If you want a balanced option, a lotion like the Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion is a great choice.
Are expensive moisturizers worth the investment?
While luxury brands and high prices can be appealing, Dr. Xu notes that cost doesn’t always equate to quality. “I recommend understanding your skin type and needs before splurging on a pricier moisturizer, or you might not achieve the desired results,” he explains.
Trust Our Expertise
This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour. As someone with dry skin, I’m constantly searching for affordable yet effective skincare. Over two months, I tested 10 drugstore moisturizers, evaluating their texture, feel, and hydration. For expert advice, I consulted Dr. Steve Xu, a board-certified dermatologist at Northwestern Dermatology and co-founder of Geologie.
