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Beauty/Skin/Moisturizers/Face Creams & Oils

Top 10 Drugstore Face Moisturizers

Introducing The Internet's Best Face Moisturizers To Buy From The Drugstore

Image credits: target

On the list of no-brainer skincare products everyone should own, face moisturizer is at the top (right next to sunscreen). Nearly everything we do impacts our skin; extreme weather can throw off sebum production, either leaving our faces oily or desert dry. The food we eat can cause allergic reactions and acne. Genetics and hormonal changes can be responsible for all of the above. Considering all the possibilities, the least we can do is clean and nourish our skin to keep up with the Joneses—oh, and consistently use sun protection and face masks, too. 

Ultimately, choosing a face moisturizer is an individual experience. You’ll have to factor in your skin type, lifestyle choices, and personal preferences. We also can’t underestimate the importance of the price point. Part of establishing a consistent skincare routine is making sure it’s something you can afford a repeat investment in. And while one may assume sticking with drugstore moisturizers means a loss of quality or effectiveness, that’s simply not true. Some of the most popular drugstore moisturizers—and there are a lot—boast just as many awards and positive reviews as the ones you’ll find in a department store with triple-digit price tags.

How We Found The Best Drugstore Moisturizers

So much so, that we pulled off something both new and seasoned skincare enthusiasts can appreciate: a definitive list of the best drugstore moisturizers. As always, we couldn’t pull this off without our tried-and-true, ultra-smart algorithm. In case you’re new here, it’s a proprietary tool that identifies products based on data that includes beauty editor reviews, expert recommendations, social media buzz, and more. Discover your next budget-friendly buy below.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Drugstore Body Lotions. 

Jump To Products

October 29, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: target
Rank & Style Approved

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L'Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.7

10

L'Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer

4.5

67784 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Learn More
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Best Collagen Drugstore Face Moisturizer

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.


The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Overall Score

4.7

09

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

4.35

12912 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Face Moisturizer For Oily Skin

WHAT IT DOES
One of the best oil-free drugstore moisturizers, The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA offers non-greasy hydration for parched skin. At $14 for just over three ounces, this moisturizer is a steal—especially considering it contains a heavy dose of hyaluronic acid. 

WHO IT'S FOR
All skin types can benefit from this affordable everyday moisturizer. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Cetaphil Hydrating Oil-Free Face Lotion

Overall Score

4.75

08

Cetaphil Hydrating Oil-Free Face Lotion

4.6

2643 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Lightweight Drugstore Face Moisturizer

WHAT IT DOES
When it comes to budget-friendly face creams, Cetaphil always delivers. The brand's Hydrating Oil-Free Face Lotion is no different, offering lightweight moisturization for up to 24 hours. 

PROMISING REVIEW
"Almost everything irritates my skin and makes it break out. Cetaphil has been a savior for my skin. It has a nice, light scent and really cleans my skin well from dirt and oil. I didn't know there was a moisturizer until I found this and now, I will never go back! The moisturizer is light and feels great on my skin!"


La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.8

07

La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

4.57

67274 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Moisturizer For Dry Skin

WHAT IT DOES
Meet Amazon's #1 best-selling moisturizer: La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer. Perhaps the best drugstore anti-aging moisturizer out there, this product uses ceramides, niacinamide, and prebiotic thermal water to deliver up to 48 hours of hydration without clogging pores. 

WHO IT'S FOR
This product is ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin.  

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.8

06

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Facial Moisturizer

4.59

21441 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Night Moisturizer

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.


Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

Overall Score

4.8

05

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

4.6

18472 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

WHAT IT DOES
Free of fragrances, dye, lanolin, and other ingredients that cause irritation, the Daily Facial Moisturizer from Vanicream is a favorite amongst dermatologists and estheticians. Use it day and night for a non-greasy layer of hydration. 

PROMISING REVIEW
"The Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is a fantastic option for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. It's lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated without any irritation. The formula is free from common irritants like fragrance and parabens, which is a huge plus for me and my eczema."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.85

04

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer

4.58

101496 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Gel Moisturizer

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. 


Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Overall Score

4.9

03

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

4.6

31009 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Anti-Aging Drugstore Moisturizer

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. With over 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, this is definitely one of the most popular budget-friendly face creams. 

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.


CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Overall Score

4.9

02

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

4.7

198428 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Moisturizer For Dehydrated 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.


E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration Face Cream

Overall Score

4.95

01

E.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration Face Cream

4.63

20949 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Drugstore Moisturizer Overall

WHAT IT DOES
According to our algorithm, e.l.f.'s Holy Hydration Face Cream is the best drugstore face moisturizer on the market. Good-for-you ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin b5 work together in this moisturizer to deliver glow-inducing hydration.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I find the Holy Hydration cream to be very thick and rich. It goes on nicely and absorbs easily but does not leave me feeling greasy. I use the unscented one, day and night, as I actually like this better than their night cream. My skin l ooks supple and smooth and I have not had any issues with breakouts or irritation. Reasonably priced too, I have it on auto delivery!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty

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