It’s no secret that drugstore brands have come a long way in recent years. There are now more than ever before options for affordable, high-quality skincare products—including moisturizers.
In this post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best drugstore moisturizers under $20. Whether you’re looking for a light lotion or a heavy-duty cream, we’ve got you covered. So keep reading to find out our favorite drugstore buys for keeping your skin hydrated on a budget!
I have always been a big believer that inexpensive doesn’t exactly equal ineffective. And I distinctly remember some of the hidden gems I’d discover as I was growing into a young adult skin care fanatic. There was something so exciting about coming upon some really good cheap skin care. I can tell you that some of the best products I’ve ever used up until this point in my life has been from CVS Pharmacy.
I’ve yet to find a skin care range that has given me the results as that particular brand did believe it or not. And of course there are other things that I’d have to take into account like the fact that I was much younger and my skin was just starting to experience product.
Nonetheless, some of the best products do exist at your local drugstore. And, when it comes to skin care products, there are plenty of drugstore options that will not only help you keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated but are also incredibly affordable.
Why should you moisturize?
Moisturizing daily is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine. Not only does moisturizer help to keep your skin hydrated, but it can also assist with healing, protecting and preventing further damage.
Properly moisturized skin can provide a barrier against environmental factors, such as wind and pollution. It also helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and flaking, while aiding in overall skin health and complexion. So if you’re looking for an easy way to give your daily skincare routine a boost, adding a daily moisturizer is an excellent choice!
Different Types of Moisturizers:
When it comes to moisturizers, lotions and creams are the two most popular consistencies. Lotions tend to be lighter in consistency and have a higher water content, making them great for those with oilier skin. Creams are usually heavier in texture and have a thicker consistency that helps to lock moisture into dry or rough skin, such as on the face. Gel moisturizers are also becoming increasingly popular, and are excellent for those with combination or oily skin types.
There are a few things at play to make your moisturizer work:
Natural Humectants:
The base of many moisturizers is made up of natural humectants, which help to draw moisture from the environment into your skin. Humectants for skin also have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritation.
Humectants are an important part of the skincare process as it increases hydration levels and helps to keep your skin looking plump and healthy by drawing in natural moisture from the environment. Some common humectants used in skincare products include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, and propylene glycol.
Emollients:
In addition to humectants, Moisturizers are formulated with emollients that help make the skin feel soft and smooth. Emollients trap moisture in the surface of your skin, which gives it a supple look. You can find several natural oils in moisturizing products such as coconut oil, shea butter, lanolin, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and beeswax—all of which have amazing hydration benefits!
Occlusives:
The third type of ingredient you’ll find in some moisturizers are occlusives. Occlusives in skincare products create a barrier on the skin that traps in moisture and prevents it from evaporating. Examples of occlusive ingredients are petrolatum, vegetable oils, mineral oil, beeswax and lanolin.
Adding occlusive ingredients into your regular moisturizer can help you keep your skin looking hydrated for longer periods of time! You might have heard of the term slugging? Well they’re using an occlusive to do so!
No matter what your skin type may be, it’s important to find the right moisturizer that suits your needs—and now you can do just that without breaking the bank! Read on for our favorite drugstore finds under $20 that will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Our Top Drugstore Moisturizers Under $20:
1. CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
This lightweight lotion is perfect for normal-to-oily skin and helps to restore the natural protective barrier of the face while fighting signs of aging. It’s non-comedogenic, oil-free
2.Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel Cream
This light gel cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid and olive extract to help keep your skin hydrated all day long. It’s free of oil and won’t clog pores, so it’s great for those with oily skin who need a moisturizer that won’t add shine. And there is a fragrance free version of this product if you’re sensitive to fragrances. This is one is hands down one of the best drugstore moisturizers hands down. My all time favorite!
3.CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This rich, non-greasy cream from CeraVe is a great option for those with dry skin. It’s formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture and protect your skin from damage. Plus, it’s great for both face and body!
4.Burt’s Bees Hydrating Night Cream
This night cream is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including aloe vera, shea butter, and coconut oil. It’s lightweight but deeply nourishing, so it’s perfect for those with dry skin who need an extra boost of moisture overnight.
5.Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Trial Size Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
This moisturizer is great for those with sensitive skin because it’s formulated to soothe irritation and reduce redness. Plus, it’s packed with oat extract, which helps restore your skin’s natural barrier and protect against environmental stressors.
6.Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
This lightweight lotion from Cetaphil is a great option for those with normal skin who need some extra hydration. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture. And it’s oil free and it’s free of parabens and fragrances.
7.No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturizer
This moisturizer is perfect for those looking to brighten their complexion. It’s formulated with Vitamin C and antioxidants to help boost skin radiance, as well as hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. Plus, it has a light citrus scent that will leave your skin feeling refreshed!
8.Eucerin Sensitive Skin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Creme
If you have sensitive skin, this soothing face creme from Eucerin is a great choice. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles while also nourishing and protecting your skin with ingredients like coenzyme Q10 and shea butter. Plus, it’s free of fragrances and dyes.
9.Loreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler
This lightweight cream from L’Oreal is perfect for those with mature skin who need a little extra hydration. It’s formulated with collagen and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles while also locking in moisture. Plus, it absorbs quickly so you don’t have to worry about feeling greasy all day.
10.La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It’s formulated with ceramides and prebiotics to help restore the natural protective barrier of your skin while also locking in moisture. Plus, it’s free of fragrances and dyes.
11.POND’S Dry Skin Cream Facial Moisturizer
This classic cream from POND’S is perfect for those with dry skin. It’s formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, like aloe vera and shea butter, to help deeply nourish and hydrate your skin without feeling greasy. Plus, it comes in a convenient tube that makes it easy to apply on the go.
12.Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
If you’re looking for an anti-aging moisturizer, this one from Olay is a great choice. It’s formulated with amino peptides to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles while also hydrating your skin.
13.Eucerin Face Moisturizing Night Cream
This night cream from Eucerin is perfect for those with dry skin who need an extra boost of hydration overnight. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and natural oils to help nourish and protect your skin while you sleep. Plus, it’s free of fragrances and dyes.
14.Garnier SkinActive 24H Moisture Cream with Rose Water and Hyaluronic Acid
This 24-hour moisturizer from Garnier is perfect for those with normal to combination skin who need a little extra hydration. It’s formulated with rose water and hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture while also calming and soothing your skin. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to find in drugstores.
15. E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Face Cream
This lightweight face cream from E.L.F. is great for those with dry skin who need an extra boost of moisture. Surprisingly one of the best drugstore moisturizers that may be a little unexpected. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, and vitamins A, C, and E to help deeply nourish your skin while also locking in hydration.
No matter what your budget may be, you can find some of the best drugstore moisturizers out there that will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy! With these top picks under $20, you’ll have no problem finding the right one for your needs. What are some of your favorite moisturizers? Let us know!
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