Top 10 Drugstore Face Moisturizers

WHAT IT DOES: Olay’s highly coveted red jar houses a moisturizer designed to deeply penetrate the skin with nourishing ingredients that hydrate and improve elasticity.

WHO IT’S FOR: Those concerned with signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles) will appreciate the anti-aging formula that includes vitamin B3, an ingredient known for boosting cell turnover and removing dead skin.

WHAT IT DOES: Pond’s Cold Cream is as classic as it gets, but don’t sleep on the brand’s moisturizer either. The ultra-thick texture, rich in occlusive ingredients, can be used for daily hydration and prepping the skin for makeup.

WHO IT’S FOR: Dry skin types will love the thick consistency and non-greasy finish.

WHAT IT DOES: This Clean & Clear standout is an acne treatment and daily moisturizer, tackling breakouts and nourishing the skin in one fell swoop.

WHO IT’S FOR: This is a godsend for people with acne-prone skin, as the oil-free formula contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates deep beneath the skin to remove debris. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Finally, a moisturizer with SPF 50. Here’s why that’s important: An SPF level of 30 allows about 3% of UVB rays to hit your skin, while an SPF level of 50 allows only about 2% of those rays through. While this seems like a small difference, the fact is that SPF 30 allows 50% more UV radiation to get to your skin.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Cetaphil’s Facial Moisturizer is both hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, meaning it’s one of the best moisturizers with SPF for sensitive skin on our list.

WHAT IT DOES: Aveeno’s daily moisturizer is light enough to wear under makeup but looks just as radiant on a makeup-free face, thanks to natural-light diffusers that reflect light and distract from imperfections.

WHO IT’S FOR: The SPF-infused formula also tackles dark spots and uneven skin tone with a Total Soy Complex that's exclusive to the brand.

WHAT IT DOES: Moisture, or lack thereof, is a top concern for many. L’Oreal’s Collagen Face Moisturizer tackles that concern with a daily dose of natural collagen that not only hydrates, but helps fill in lines and wrinkles.

WHO IT’S FOR: Regular use of this fragrance-free moisturizer will increase elasticity in sensitive, aging skin.

WHAT IT DOES: On its own, retinol can wreak havoc on the skin. But combined with a nourishing moisturizer, it can exfoliate and smooth the skin with almost no irritation. That’s why people love the blend of retinol, glycerin, vitamin B3, and other standout ingredients in Olay’s nighttime moisturizer.

WHO IT’S FOR: The form of vitamin B3 in this moisturizer is niacinamide, a water-soluble ingredient known for its brightening properties, a beneficial boost for those with uneven skin tone or texture.

WHAT IT DOES: There’s no better feeling than swiping on a nourishing moisturizer just before bed. You doze off, hoping that it will work while you sleep—and also not end up on your pillowcase. Cerave’s PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is one of the few options to actually stay mess-free with an oil-free formula that feels lightweight but delivers ample moisture via moisture-binding hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides.

WHO IT’S FOR: This is a suitable pick for all skin types, but it will appeal especially to those with oily skin because of the lightweight, non-greasy feel.

WHAT IT DOES: Neutrogena’s Hydro-Boost moisturizer is the equivalent of a tall glass of water for the complexion. The cooling gel-cream absorbs quickly into the skin, delivering moisture and restoring the skin’s barrier to keep it there.

WHO IT’S FOR: The hyaluronic acid-rich formula is an instant fix for ultra-dry skin.

WHAT IT DOES: What’s better than a twofer? A threefer, of course! CeraVe’s best-selling product is this multitasker that can be used as a face moisturizer, body cream, or hand lotion. In addition to ceramides and barrier-strengthening hyaluronic acid, the formula also has patented MVE Technology that gradually and continually releases ingredients throughout the day.

WHO IT’S FOR: With a co-sign from the National Eczema Association and input from dermatologists, this is a must-have for all skin types.