Finding a good moisturizer seems like a simple task until you’re staring down 20 options in the grocery store. While there are loads of high-end creams, there are also plenty of affordable drugstore moisturizers that actually deliver on their promises of firmer, bouncier, and more hydrated skin.“Body lotions are formulated with humectants and emollients to hydrate, moisturize, soothe, and soften the skin,” says Valerie Aparovich, biochemist and certified cosmetologist-aesthetician at OnSkin. “Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and amino acids attract water from the surrounding environment (such as air humidity) and deeper layers of the skin, drawing it into the outermost layer, the epidermis,” she explains. “Emollients like shea butter, squalane, and ceramides help restore the protective functions of the epidermal barrier”, but they also “nourish, soften, and soothe the skin.”Because the main job of a moisturizer is to hydrate, Aparovich adds, “they usually don’t require many additional active components beyond the moisturizer base, so there are plenty of drugstore products available that can bring you the same effect for less money.” Taking Aparovich’s expert advice into account, I researched and tested countless formulas to find the best drugstore moisturizers below.The best drugstore moisturizers for 2025 are:Best overall — CeraVe moisturizing cream: $15.77, Amazon.comBest exfoliating drugstore moisturizer — Cetaphil exfoliating rough & bumpy cream: $13.39, Amazon.comBest for sensitive skin — Vanicream moisturizing cream: $13.56, Amazon.comBest cooling drugstore moisturizer — Aveeno calm + restore body moisturizer gel for sensitive skin: $16.44, Amazon.comBest face moisturizer — e.l.f. skin holy hydration! face cream: $13.97, Amazon.comBest drugstore moisturizer with SPF — Olay super cream with sunscreen SPF 30: $34.94, Amazon.comBest for eczema-prone skin — Mustela stelatopia+ lipid-replenishing cream: $30, Amazon.com
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Best drugstore moisturizers 2025, tested by a beauty expert
