Buzz
Expensive skincare can be a tempting luxury, but it’s not always the most budget-friendly choice—especially for daily products like face moisturizers that you use frequently or in large quantities. The good news is, there are plenty of dermatologist-approved, highly rated options that won't cost a fortune, so you can keep your skin hydrated without breaking the bank.
Weleda Skin Food cream, E.l.f. Holy Hydration face cream, and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré—whether they're beloved drugstore favorites or top picks from Sephora and Dermstore, these creams are packed with skin-nourishing ingredients that leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best moisturizers under $20—each one a cult favorite, highly praised, dermatologist-endorsed, and HuffPost editor-approved pick. You can trust that these proven moisturizers will leave you looking and feeling your best without draining your wallet.
1. The Inkey List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative moisturizer
Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist, previously recommended The Inkey List's bakuchiol cream as a great option for those interested in a natural alternative to retinol. She mentions it works well, and at under $15, it's an affordable way to test your skin’s tolerance to this ingredient, known for boosting cellular turnover. This lightweight cream contains 1% bakuchiol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging, while also featuring hydrating squalane and sacha inchi oil, a plant-derived oil rich in omega-3. You can find it at Sephora for $15.
2. Cosrx Snail Mucin 92% repair cream
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel daily moisturizer
4. CeraVe moisturizing cream
5. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
6. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
HuffPost shopping writer Tessa Flores has long been a fan of The Ordinary's simple and accessible skincare philosophy, and this moisturizer was one of the first products that convinced her to try the brand. She shares, "I love how it deeply absorbs into my dry skin, offering a blend of 11 effective hydrating ingredients such as fatty acids, glycerin, barrier-restoring ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. If you need a moisturizer that complements all your other skincare products, hydrates well, and is affordable, then look no further." It's no surprise that this is one of the most popular moisturizers among HuffPost readers! Get it from Sephora for $6.70+ (available in two sizes).
7. CeraVe PM facial moisturizing lotion
8. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
9. LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream
10. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
11. Seoul Ceuticals Multi-Function All-In-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream
12. E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30
13. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
14. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair moisturizing cream
15. Sephora Collection Nourishing Moisturizer
This nourishing prebiotic moisturizer, a favorite among editors, is praised for its creamy, fragrance-free formula. The naturally sourced prebiotics in the cream deeply hydrate the skin, while marula oil fortifies the skin barrier, enhancing its ability to combat environmental stressors. It provides comfort without feeling heavy, unlike some other moisturizers formulated for dry, sensitive skin. Available at Sephora for $20+ (offered in two sizes).
