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The 16 Best Budget-Friendly Moisturizers You Can Shop on Amazon

Expert-level hydration that won't break the bank

Headshot of Harper's Bazaar StaffBy Harper's Bazaar Staff

Any decent hydrator can keep skin looking and feeling more supple—but the most effective ones also soothe, fight free radical damage, and support your natural protective barrier. If that sounds like a tall order, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of formulas that do just that—including the best drugstore moisturizers.

Shop the Best Drugstore Moisturizers

  • Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

    Expert Favorite

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

    $19 at Amazon
    Read more
  • DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

    Best for Oily Skin

    Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

    Read more
  • Nourishing Cream

    Best for Dry Skin

    Melē Nourishing Cream

    Read more
  • Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

    Best for Plumping

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

    Read more
  • Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

    Best All-Around Drugstore Moisturizer

    Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

    Read more

“There are many ‘luxury’ skincare products that are high quality that can be found in drugstores,” board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal tells Bazaar, and at the end of the day, you can get a great product at any price. He adds that the concept that more expensive equals better in beauty is, "Simply not true.”

Whether you're looking to target a specific skin concern like dry or oily skin, or in search of a new go-to favorite, we've rounded up the best drugstore moisturizers on Amazon that money can buy.


Expert Favorite

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

On Sale
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Expert Favorite

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$19 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Moisture for up to 48 hours
Cons
  • It's a small bottle for the price you're paying

Lal recommends this moisturizer for just about everyone, including those with sensitive skin. “This has ceramide 3, niacinamide, postbiotics, and micro resyl,” he explains. “This moisturizer is great for dry and oily skin and will keep your skin moisturized for up to 48 hours.”

Best for Oily Skin

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

On Sale
DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30
Best for Oily Skin

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30

Now 24% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Helps reduce shine
  • Features SPF 30
Cons

    Another of Lal's favorites, he also recommends Cetaphil's oil-free moisturizer for those who deal with persistent breakouts. “This has technology that absorbs oil and reduces shine,” he adds. “It’s also great for patients on isotretinoin, or Accutane as it contains sunscreen.”

    Best for Dry Skin

    Melē Nourishing Cream

    On Sale
    Nourishing Cream
    Best for Dry Skin

    Melē Nourishing Cream

    Now 68% Off
    Credit: Amazon
    Pros
    • Oil-free
    Cons

      Although it’s oil-free, this moisturizer is still rich and nourishing enough to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours (thank its built-in hydrators like vitamin E, niacinamide, and squalane).

      One satisfied customer writes: "This is the best moisturizer I have ever used. It is light, it feels fantastic as I apply it on my face, it gives my skin a glow, I love it!!" —Carolyn R.

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      Best for Plumping

      Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

      On Sale
      Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer
      Best for Plumping

      Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer

      Now 46% Off
      Credit: Amazon
      Pros
      • Featherweight
      Cons

        This lightweight moisturizer is like a cold drink of water for your face. It's packed with hyaluronic acid to plump skin right away while feeling weightless—making it ideal for oily skin.

        One satisfied customer writes: "This has been my go to moisturizer for years! It's amazing! I have very sensitive skin and have bad reactions to lots of products. My face is fairly dry, and most products I've used in the past to help with this have left my face super oily and greasy. This moisturizer is beyond lightweight and melts right into the skin. It actually hydrates and leaves my skin feeling fresh and smooth. I am also an excessive sweater and don't wear a lot of products because I usually sweat it all off, but this product actually stays on. I recommend this product to friends and family every chance I get!" —Shaelyn M.

        Best All-Around Drugstore Moisturizer

        Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

        Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
        Best All-Around Drugstore Moisturizer

        Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

        Now 34% Off
        Credit: Amazon
        Pros
        • Fast-absorbing
        • Plumps skin
        Cons

          Featuring skin-plumping peptides, Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer is just the sort of multi-tasking product we need for busy mornings. No wonder it's one of the most beloved face creams of all time.

          One satisfied customer writes: "Great product for price. Can see visible difference in skin in few days. Great value and price." —Anonymous

          Most Viral Moisturizer

          CosRX Snail 92 Repair Cream

          Snail 92 Repair Cream
          Most Viral Moisturizer

          CosRX Snail 92 Repair Cream

          Credit: Amazon
          Pros
          • Restores skin barrier
          • Suitable for most skin types
          Cons

            Made with snail mucin, which is said to help restore the skin barrier, this K-Beauty face cream soothes every skin type—from acne-prone to sensitive.

            One satisfied customer writes: "This stuff is wonderful. I am noticing my skin is very soft and helping with the dryness. At first, I was a little grossed out by it but I have to say I got over it and absolutely love the stuff. i’ll definitely continue to buy and use. I think it’s great. I also shared with my aesthetician. She was a little surprised, but she said her daughter was using it to, and said yes, it was a very good product." —Robina

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            Best Face and Eye Moisturizer

            AHC Essential Eye Cream for Face

            On Sale
            Essential Eye Cream for Face
            Best Face and Eye Moisturizer

            AHC Essential Eye Cream for Face

            Now 12% Off
            Credit: Amazon
            Pros
            • Great for sensitive skin
            Cons

              This is an eye cream...for your face. Though it sounds a bit confusing, the concept from South Korea is actually genius. Eye creams tend to be richer and ultra-gentle, so why not smear it all over your face? We love to apply a thick layer before bed when our skin feels really flaky.

              One satisfied customer writes: "One of my favorite K-drama actress swears by it and she is stunning. I figure why not! This was so nice, no strong smell, works well under makeup, and no irritation. I have really sensitive eyes and can’t really used a lot of creams around the eye. This one was perfect without adding any milia or bumps." —

              Best Oil-Free Moisturizer

              CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

              AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
              Best Oil-Free Moisturizer

              CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

              Now 14% Off
              Credit: Amazon
              Pros
              • Features SPF 30
              • Oil-free
              Cons

                If you're looking for a basic, no-frills, easy-to-use sunscreen with moisturizer, dermatologists have long recommended CeraVe. It's oil-free and packed with ceramides to keep all skin types healthy and hydrated.

                Best for Reactive Skin

                La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer

                Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer
                Best for Reactive Skin

                La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Repair Moisturizer

                Credit: Amazon
                Pros
                • Helps reduce redness and irritation
                Cons

                  This ultra-lightweight cream contains ingredients shea butter and neurosensine to heal redness and irritation and provide sensitive skin the perfect amount of hydration.

                  One satisfied customer writes: "I had bad acne, and after using their acne product was left with dry skin (to be expected!). I wanted something that would last longer and keep my skin moisturized. This has been awesome. It has no scent, and is not oily. It lasts a long time and you don't need a lot to keep it on. I love the locking mechanism of the product, it is nice for traveling." —Emma

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                  Best Vegan Moisturizer

                  Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Face Cream

                  On Sale
                  Skin Soak Rich Moisture Face Cream
                  Best Vegan Moisturizer

                  Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Face Cream

                  Now 20% Off
                  Pros
                  • Nongreasy
                  Cons

                    This vegan, cruelty-free, and pretty-clean moisturizer is best for dry skin to use either morning or night. It's rich and makes skin look plump right away, but it won't make skin feel overly slick.

                    One satisfied customer writes: "I love this whole line from versed. It’s my entire skincare routine. It makes me skin so so soft. It works well. I will be buying again!" —kristin

                    Best Nightly Moisturizer

                    L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Night Moisturizer

                    Age Perfect Night Moisturizer
                    Best Nightly Moisturizer

                    L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Night Moisturizer

                    Credit: Amazon
                    Pros
                    • Great for mature skin
                    Cons

                      This anti-aging face cream cools skin by two degrees, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to drift off to sleep. After a few weeks, you'll notice smoother, brighter, and more supple skin thanks to vitamin E and antioxidants that help with cell turnover.

                      One satisfied customer writes: "I started the midnight line about three weeks ago and I've taken about seven years off my face. I love this stuff I've already ordered two more just to have when I run out or the price shoots up. I keep it in my mini fridge and a little goes a very long way." —Tink82

                      Best for Fine Lines

                      RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer

                      On Sale
                      Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer
                      Best for Fine Lines

                      RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer

                      Now 35% Off
                      Credit: Amazon
                      Pros
                      • Plumping
                      • Fragrance-free
                      Cons

                        The original drugstore retinol, this fragrance-free cream is perfect for newbies to the powerhouse anti-aging ingredient. It gently stimulates collagen production to make wrinkles and spots look less noticeable as soon as just one week.

                        One satisfied customer writes: "After using many face cream products, I am now using this. Makes face and neck feel soft and smooth. Not greasy. Plan on using this again and again." —GE

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                        Best for Acne-Prone Skin

                        Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen

                        Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen
                        Best for Acne-Prone Skin

                        Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen

                        Credit: Amazon
                        Pros
                        • Contains SPF 30
                        • Absorbs oil
                        Cons

                          The acne-fighting power of Differin—which was once only available by prescription—is now conveniently available as a daytime moisturizer with SPF 30. It not only protects skin against UV rays, but also helps absorb excess oil that can contribute to future breakouts.

                          One satisfied customer writes: "My skin is simultaneously super oily and super dry. This moisturizer helps balance both. There is a light scent of sunscreen but goes away pretty quickly." —Zero

                          Best Lightweight Moisturizer

                          Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer Cream with Sunscreen SPF 25

                          On Sale
                          Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer Cream with Sunscreen SPF 25
                          Best Lightweight Moisturizer

                          Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer Cream with Sunscreen SPF 25

                          Now 20% Off
                          Credit: Amazon
                          Pros
                          • Anti-aging
                          Cons

                            Here's a moisturizer for those who can't stand the feeling of beauty products on their skin. Olay's Regenerist Whip combines all the anti-aging power of its original formula in a new and improved barely-there texture.

                            One satisfied customer writes: "This is a wonderful moisturizer and the one I have been using for many years. I like that it is light but it does a great job as a moisturizer. My face doesn't feel greasy after I use it and it is very effective for fine lines. It has a light fragrance which is not over powering. Olay is a brand that I trust and recommend." —Hanna D.

                            Best for Makeup Enthusiasts

                            e.l.f. Hello Hydration! Face Cream

                            Hello Hydration! Face Cream
                            Best for Makeup Enthusiasts

                            e.l.f. Hello Hydration! Face Cream

                            Pros
                            • Great as primer
                            Cons

                              This super-basic yet effective hyaluronic acid and peptide face cream softens skin without leaving behind any residue, so you can move right on to makeup.

                              One satisfied customer writes: "This holy hydration cream creates an oasis of soft silky skin. It’s never oily. It soaks in as quickly as you put it on your face. The price is great! I’ve been using this skin cream for about two years and have no desire to stop using it. You have got to try it!" —Teresa B., RN

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                              Best Gel-Cream Moisturizer

                              Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

                              Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
                              Best Gel-Cream Moisturizer

                              Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream

                              Pros
                              • Helps boost radiance
                              Cons
                              • Not ideal for oily skin

                              Aloe and green tea join forces in this gel-cream from Versed, made specifically for ultra dewy skin. All you need is a peanut-size amount to hydrate your face, neck, and chest.

                              One satisfied customer writes: "It is a great lightweight moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and is great under makeup." —KC

                              Best for the Skin Barrier

                              Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

                              Daily Facial Moisturizer
                              Best for the Skin Barrier

                              Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

                              Credit: Amazon
                              Pros
                              • Lightweight
                              • Fragrance-, paraben-, lanolon-, and sulfate-free
                              Cons

                                Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick says Vanicream's Daily Facial Moisturizer is a great pick for just about any skin type. Its lightweight formula contains key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support the skin barrier but still absorbs easily. As an added bonus, it's also fragrance-, paraben-, lanolin-, and suflate-free.

                                One satisfied customer writes: "I tried Vanicream because I had redness on my face, and was even about to look for serums to help me with this issue. In one use of this product, I had little to no redness. As someone who had flares from simply rubbing their face, this a wonderful product that I would 100 percent endorse." —Kat

                                Most Soothing Moisturizer

                                Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

                                On Sale
                                Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
                                Most Soothing Moisturizer

                                Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

                                Credit: Amazon
                                Pros
                                • Anti-inflammatory properties
                                • Great for dry and irritated skin
                                Cons

                                  When it comes to a moisturizer known for its calming and soothing properties, Garshick counts this one from Aveeno as one of the best. It contains prebiotic oat, feverfew, and restorative centella asiatica to help reduce inflammation while boosting hydration.

                                  One satisfied customer writes: "This is a nice moisturizer. Not greasy. Not too heavy. Doesn't irritate my skin. Doesn't have much of a fragrance. Perfect!" —Marty D.

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                                  Best for Cold Weather

                                  Vaseline Original Healing Jelly (3-Pack)

                                  Original Healing Jelly (3-Pack)
                                  Best for Cold Weather

                                  Vaseline Original Healing Jelly (3-Pack)

                                  Credit: Amazon
                                  Pros
                                  • Helps strengthen skin's protective barrier
                                  Cons

                                    Garshick adds that Vaseline's tried-and-true Original Healing Jelly pretty much does it all when it comes to moisture (especially in colder months). Its formula provides a protective barrier from external irritants, and happens to be a slugging staple for many skincare enthusiasts.

                                    One satisfied customer writes: "Excellent moisture for your skin! Great value!" —Erna F.

                                    Best for Long-Lasting Moisture

                                    Vichy Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream

                                    On Sale
                                    Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream
                                    Best for Long-Lasting Moisture

                                    Vichy Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Cream

                                    Now 20% Off
                                    Credit: Amazon
                                    Pros
                                    • Lightweight
                                    • Suitable for all skin types
                                    Cons

                                      Made with hyaluronic acid, vitamins B3 and E, squalane, and Vichy's signature volcanic water, this will give your skin that extra boost of moisture it needs in the drier months while also supporting the skin barrier. "It's lightweight and absorbs into the skin easily," Garshick says. "Making it a good option for all skin types including those with sensitive skin."

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