9 best drugstore moisturizers that deserve a spot in your skincare routine

CeraVe’s moisturizing cream is a workhorse moisturizer for both the face and body — so much so that multiple dermatologists have recommended it to me for years. I’ve been using it on and off for a long time, and it never disappoints.

The fragrance-free formula combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deliver lasting hydration. The texture is rich and non-greasy, and it soaks in surprisingly fast without leaving any residue — just soft, healthy-feeling skin.

I used this after my morning shower and found that my skin stayed supple for most of the day. The only downside? The tub format isn’t the most hygienic or convenient. But, if there’s one moisturizer to keep in your bathroom for the whole family, it’s this one.

If you deal with keratosis pilaris (KP), Cetaphil’s cream is a game-changer. The rich formula gently exfoliates rough, bumpy skin without the sting of scrubs or stronger acids. I used it to target KP on the backs of my thighs, and after just a few uses, the area felt noticeably smoother — within about a week, the bumps looked visibly reduced.

The cream also spreads easily, so a little goes a long way — and while it’s rich, it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. It’s also fragrance-free, making it a solid choice for sensitive skin or anyone avoiding potential irritants. And, it’s impressively hydrating.

If you have sensitive skin that flares even at the thought of complex formulas that contain fragrances or irritants, Vanicream’s moisturizing cream is your best bet. The dermatologist-approved formula is about as simple and effective as it gets. It’s thick and slightly occlusive, but it doesn’t clog pores or leave you feeling sticky.

I slathered it on during a week when my skin needed extra hydration, and it instantly soothed the flaking skin on my shins without a hint of irritation. It can be used all over the body, including the face, but I found it particularly good for a targeted treatment on dry spots that need extra love, such as cracked elbows.

While the texture feels substantial, it blends in easily and leaves behind a soft, moisturized finish that’s not at all greasy. But for the price, size, and performance, this is the kind of product you’ll always want to have on hand.

Method’s daily lotion surprised me in the best way. The lightweight texture is creamy yet absorbs easily in seconds, without any tacky residue. I used it mostly on my body after morning showers, and I found my skin stayed soft and moisturized well into the afternoon.

While the formula doesn’t contain a long list of active ingredients, it’s a straightforward daily hydrator that gets the job done. The blend of rose water and peony offers a subtle and fresh scent that’s not overpowering.

If you like the cooling, bouncy texture of a gel but need more moisture, Aveeno’s calm + restore body moisturizer gel for sensitive skin hits the sweet spot. The formula feels weightless and has instant cooling effects that last for a couple of minutes, making it a great choice for an aftersun. It still manages to absorb quickly and leave skin silky smooth, not tacky.

It’s fragrance-free and specifically formulated for sensitive skin — great if you experience flare-ups with certain ingredients or additives. The hero ingredient is prebiotic oat, known for its skin-soothing properties, but the formula also contains glycerin and other emollients that help lock in moisture.

E.l.f.’s skin holy hydration face cream feels way more luxe than its $14 price tag suggests. The fragrance-free formula is packed with skin-supporting ingredients (squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin B5) that help hydrate, plump, and reinforce the skin barrier for results that get better with continued use.

The texture is velvety and cushiony — it glides on smoothly, sinks in fast, and leaves skin feeling dewy but not greasy. It also layered well under makeup and caused no piling.

I keep returning to Olay’s super cream — even over more luxe options. The texture is rich but glides on easily and sinks in without any greasiness. The finish is soft and slightly dewy — perfect for a fresh-faced look or layered under makeup.

Beyond hydration and sun protection (it contains SPF 30), the formula contains skin-loving ingredients (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and collagen peptides). It’s basically everything you need in one jar.

For those looking to hydrate while building a streak-free, natural-looking tan, Jergens gradual self-tanner delivers. This daily moisturizer develops a believable sun-kissed color, without the dreaded orange tint or strong self-tanner smell. The color change is so subtle, you might not even notice it until a few days in, making it ideal for beginners or anyone who wants a gentle glow.

During testing, I found the lotion incredibly easy to apply. It applied smoothly and dried quickly. After application, my skin felt soft and moisturized, and I could get dressed almost immediately without worrying about staining clothes or sheets. The gradual fade was also even and natural.

Read more: Best drugstore self-tanners

If you or your little ones struggle with eczema or very dry, sensitive skin, this unique formula from Mustela is a standout. The nourishing cream is lightweight yet rich — it almost feels like a substantial gel when applied, lending an instant cooling effect that’s especially soothing for irritated skin. It absorbs well without feeling heavy or greasy, leaving skin soft and smooth.

I tested it on my driest areas, including my elbows and feet, and appreciated how calming and hydrating it felt. Even better, it didn’t cause any stinging. The formula is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and made with natural ingredients (including sunflower oil distillate, which is known for its restorative properties). I love that it works well on both the face and body, helping manage eczema symptoms from head to toe.