10 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Dry Skin Of 2024

Updated on October 2, 2024

Are you tired of searching for the perfect moisturizer that doesn’t break the bank but still hydrates your dry skin? With so many options available, finding the Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Dry Skin can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ve done the hard work for you, narrowing down the top 10 drugstore moisturizers that deliver serious hydration without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re battling flaky patches, tightness, or dullness, these affordable skincare solutions will help restore your skin’s moisture balance. Read on to discover the best options for achieving soft, smooth, and nourished skin in 2024.

Our Best Picks

• Neutrogena Daily Facial Moisturizer – $8.32
• EltaMD PM Restore Face Moisturizer – $44.00
• Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer – $10.47
• NIVEA Intense Healing Moisturizing – $6.41
• Aveeno Daily Moisturizer – $10.67

10 Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Dry Skin In 2024

1. Neutrogena Fragrance Free Daily Facial Moisturizer

Neutrogena Fragrance Free Daily Facial Moisturizer offers 3.4-fluid ounces of lightweight hydration, perfect for sensitive and reactive skin. Infused with CICA and a multivitamin complex, including Vitamin B3, Pro-Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E, this moisturizer helps support your skin’s barrier while fighting environmental aggressors. Free from parabens, phthalates, dyes, and animal testing, it provides daily care without clogging pores, making it a non-comedogenic choice for anyone with reactive skin.

This moisturizer is ideal for those looking for a gentle, effective solution to calm redness, tightness, or dryness. With its fragrance-free formula and dermatologist-recommended brand reputation, it’s a reliable choice for users seeking a product that delivers long-lasting hydration and comfort without harsh additives. Perfect for both day and night use, it outshines the competition by offering premium care at an affordable price.

2. EltaMD PM Restore Face Moisturizer

EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer is a night moisturizer designed to restore your skin’s natural moisture levels while you sleep. This lightweight formula helps minimize the appearance of dry, flaky, and damaged skin, making it perfect for those suffering from dryness and redness. Its ability to reduce skin inflammation and uneven tone overnight sets it apart, giving you visibly hydrated and healthier-looking skin by morning.

This moisturizer is ideal for users seeking a gentle yet effective solution for dry and uneven skin. With its overnight repair function, ease of use, and ability to improve skin texture, it offers exceptional value for money. The lightweight formula ensures it won’t feel heavy or greasy, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to restore moisture and balance without compromising comfort.

3. Jergens Ultra Healing Dry Skin Moisturizer

Jergens Ultra Healing Dry Skin Moisturizer is specially designed to relieve dry skin and improve its overall appearance and texture. This extra-dry skin lotion absorbs quickly into rough spots like heels, elbows, and knees, providing deep hydration where it’s needed most. The unique formula penetrates five layers of skin, targeting dryness at the source and leaving skin visibly softer and smoother. With a blend of Vitamins C, E, and B and the Hydralucence blend of ingredients, this moisturizer helps nourish skin for a luminous and healthy look over time.

This moisturizer is ideal for those with extra-dry skin looking for a solution that offers long-lasting hydration and noticeable results. Affordable and easy to use, it works effectively on problem areas while delivering visible skin improvements with continued use. Its powerful formula and ability to heal rough, dry skin make it a top choice for anyone seeking value for money and lasting moisture.

4. NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion 72-Hour Moisturizing

NIVEA Intense Healing Body Lotion provides quick nourishing relief for dry, rough skin, offering intense hydration after just one application. This lotion is enriched with NIVEA Deep Nourishing Serum and Provitamin B5, delivering moisture that lasts up to 72 hours. Its rich, yet lightweight formula deeply moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and healthy-looking. The convenient pump bottle design makes it easy to use at home or in the office.

This body lotion is an excellent choice for those seeking long-lasting hydration and value for money. Trusted by customers for over 130 years, NIVEA’s proven formula ensures deep, reliable moisture that outlasts many competitors. Perfect for dry skin sufferers, this lotion provides durable, convenient care with a trusted name in skincare.

5. Aveeno Daily Moisturizer Prebiotic Oat Fragrance Free

Aveeno Daily Moisturizer Prebiotic Oat Fragrance-Free is specially designed for extra-dry skin, providing long-lasting moisture and support for the skin’s natural barrier. Enriched with prebiotic oat, this body lotion is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Clinically proven to soothe distressed, blemish-prone, and dry skin, it offers 24-hour moisture without a greasy feel. Formulated to be non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and paraben-free, it’s gentle enough for everyday use on all skin types.

This lotion is the ideal choice for users seeking intense hydration without compromising on comfort or quality. It provides value for money as it delivers lasting moisture and promotes healthier skin over time. Whether you’re dealing with irritation or dryness, Aveeno Daily Moisturizer is dermatologist-recommended, making it a trusted solution for those who need effective, sensitive skin care. Choose Aveeno for durable hydration that leaves your skin soft, balanced, and smooth.

6. GOLD BOND Men’s Essentials Everyday Moisture

GOLD BOND Men’s Essentials Everyday Moisture is specially formulated to moisturize and soften dry skin, making it ideal for men’s daily skincare needs. This hydrating lotion contains seven moisturizers and three nourishing vitamins that work together to provide all-day hydration for both the hands and body. Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, this lotion is gentle yet effective, and the value size bottle offers 65% more product compared to standard sizes, ensuring long-lasting use.

This lotion is the perfect choice for men seeking value for money and effective daily hydration. Its easy-to-use pump design ensures mess-free application, while the durable formula provides lasting moisture for even the driest skin. Whether you’re dealing with rough hands or dry patches, GOLD BOND Men’s Essentials offers reliable, long-term skin care, making it the ideal solution for everyday use.

7. iS CLINICAL Reparative Moisture Emulsion

iS CLINICAL Reparative Moisture Emulsion is a medium-weight moisturizer packed with pharmaceutical-grade botanicals, peptides, and powerful antioxidants. Its intensive hydrating and reparative properties make it ideal for promoting healthy, smooth skin, while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This formula provides excellent hydration and protection for all skin types, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. It can be used both morning and evening on the face and neck for optimal results.

This emulsion is the ideal choice for users looking for a high-performance moisturizer that offers value for money and targets multiple skin concerns. With its easy application and rejuvenating properties, it helps improve skin texture and appearance without feeling heavy or greasy. If you’re seeking a durable solution to maintain youthful, hydrated skin, iS CLINICAL Reparative Moisture Emulsion is a top pick.

8. Curél Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion

Curél Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion is a dermatologist-recommended formula designed for extremely dry, tight skin. Its superior moisturization, proven to be 1.95X more effective than the leading therapeutic lotion, makes it stand out. Formulated with an Advanced Ceramide Complex, it helps replenish the skin’s natural ceramide levels to soften, smooth, and hydrate. This lotion also provides instant relief and protects skin from dryness for over 24 hours, ensuring long-lasting comfort.

This product is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it’s paraben-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly. It absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, offering exceptional value for users seeking durable hydration and immediate skin relief. Curél Ultra Healing is the top choice for anyone looking to restore and maintain soft, healthy skin.

9. Eucerin Intensive Repair Body Lotion Alpha Hydroxy

Eucerin Intensive Repair Body Lotion Alpha Hydroxy provides 24-hour hydration to immediately restore skin’s radiance, making it ideal for sensitive, very dry, and flaky skin. Its 3-dimensional formula works by moisturizing, exfoliating, and conditioning, offering a comprehensive solution for skin that needs extra care. The lotion is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free, making it gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin. Packaged in a convenient pump bottle, it’s simple to apply whenever needed.

This lotion is the ideal choice for users looking for value for money and a reliable daily moisturizer that’s both effective and easy to use. With its long-lasting hydration and soothing properties, Eucerin Intensive Repair outshines competitors by delivering intensive skin repair in a gentle, non-irritating formula. Its ability to hydrate and exfoliate ensures smoother, healthier-looking skin with every use.

10. Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisturizing

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisturizing Lotion is specially formulated to intensely hydrate itchy, extra-dry skin with Pro-Ceramide, Vitamin E, and Pro-Vitamin B5. This fragrance-free lotion delivers 48-hour moisturization and helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. Its non-greasy formula is designed to penetrate deeply into the skin’s surface, transforming dry, irritated skin into healthier, more resilient skin. The 32-fluid ounce bottle offers long-lasting hydration and is perfect for daily use on both hands and body.

This lotion is ideal for those with sensitive skin looking for value for money and effective hydration. Its hypoallergenic, paraben-free formula is clinically tested and dermatologist-recommended, ensuring it’s gentle enough for everyday use. The quick-absorbing texture leaves a clean, non-greasy feel, making Lubriderm Advanced Therapy a top choice for reliable, long-lasting moisturization.

How To Choose The Best Drugstore Moisturizer For Dry Skin?

Finding the perfect moisturizer for dry skin can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. Drugstore moisturizers offer affordable solutions without compromising on quality, but knowing what to look for is essential. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to consider when choosing the best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin, so you can make an informed decision and give your skin the care it deserves.

1. Identify Your Skin Type

Before picking a moisturizer, it’s important to understand your skin type. Even though this article focuses on dry skin, it’s important to know whether your skin is extremely dry, sensitive, or prone to other issues such as flakiness or redness. Some moisturizers target specific problems like eczema or psoriasis, while others are designed for general dryness. Knowing your skin’s needs will help you choose a product that works best for you.

2. Look For Hydrating Ingredients

One of the most important aspects of choosing the best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin is ensuring it contains hydrating ingredients. Look for key ingredients such as:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its ability to retain moisture, hyaluronic acid is excellent for providing hydration and keeping skin plump.
• Glycerin: This humectant helps draw moisture from the air into your skin, making it an excellent choice for dry skin.
• Ceramides: These are lipids that help restore the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss.
• Urea: Helps soften and exfoliate dry, rough patches on the skin.
• Shea Butter: Provides deep nourishment and is great for tackling extremely dry or rough areas like elbows or knees.

These ingredients not only hydrate but also lock in moisture, ensuring that your skin remains soft and supple throughout the day.

3. Avoid Harsh Ingredients

Dry skin can be sensitive, so it’s crucial to avoid products that contain harsh ingredients that can exacerbate the problem. Look for moisturizers that are:

• Fragrance-free: Artificial fragrances can irritate the skin and lead to redness or itching.
• Paraben-free: Parabens are preservatives that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals with sensitive skin.
• Non-comedogenic: This means the product won’t clog your pores, which is important even if you have dry skin. Clogged pores can lead to breakouts, making your skin worse in the long run.

By choosing products without these harsh ingredients, you can ensure your skin stays calm and hydrated without risking irritation.

4. Consider the Consistency

The consistency of a moisturizer can make a significant difference in how effective it is for your dry skin. Drugstore moisturizers typically come in various forms like creams, lotions, and ointments. Here’s what you need to know:

• Lotions: These are lightweight and absorb quickly, but may not provide long-lasting hydration for extremely dry skin.
• Creams: Thicker than lotions, creams offer more hydration and are great for both day and night use.
• Ointments: The thickest option, ointments provide a protective barrier on the skin and are ideal for very dry patches or problem areas like heels and elbows.

Depending on the severity of your dryness, you might opt for a thicker cream or ointment for maximum moisture.

5. Check for Added Benefits

While hydration is the primary goal, some moisturizers offer additional benefits that can enhance your skincare routine. For example, products that contain niacinamide can help brighten dull skin, while vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties, helping protect the skin from environmental damage. Other ingredients like cica (centella asiatica) can soothe sensitive or irritated skin, making it a good option for those prone to redness.

Choosing a moisturizer with added benefits means you’re getting more than just hydration—you’re also addressing other skin concerns that come with dryness.

6. Sun Protection Is a Bonus

If you’re using a moisturizer during the day, choosing one with SPF can be an excellent choice, especially if you have dry skin. The sun’s rays can further dehydrate your skin, and protecting it with a moisturizer that includes SPF can help maintain your skin’s moisture levels. Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to get both hydration and protection from harmful UV rays.

7. Consider the Price

Drugstore moisturizers are typically more affordable than high-end skincare products, but prices can still vary. When shopping for the best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin, consider both the price and the size of the product. Sometimes, paying a little more upfront for a larger bottle can save you money in the long run, especially if it’s something you’ll use daily.

8. Read Reviews and Recommendations

One of the best ways to find the right product for your dry skin is by reading reviews from other customers. Many online retailers have customer review sections where people share their experiences with different products. Look for reviews that mention similar skin concerns to yours—whether it’s extreme dryness, sensitivity, or redness. This can give you a better idea of how well the product might work for you.

Additionally, trusted skincare bloggers and dermatologists often recommend certain drugstore moisturizers that cater to dry skin. Following their advice can help you narrow down your choices.

9. Trial and Error

Sometimes, the only way to find the best moisturizer is through trial and error. While this can feel frustrating, it’s a necessary part of the process. Start with a small size or a sample before committing to a full-size product. This way, you can test how well it works for your skin without spending too much money.

FAQs

1. What ingredients should I look for in a drugstore moisturizer for dry skin?

When choosing a drugstore moisturizer for dry skin, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, urea, and shea butter. These ingredients help to hydrate, retain moisture, and repair the skin’s barrier, keeping it nourished and soft throughout the day.

2. Are drugstore moisturizers as effective as high-end brands?

Yes, drugstore moisturizers can be just as effective as high-end brands, especially when they contain the right hydrating ingredients. Many drugstore products offer great value and provide the same level of hydration and skin repair as luxury brands, without the hefty price tag.

3. Should I avoid fragrances in moisturizers for dry skin?

Yes, it’s generally a good idea to choose fragrance-free moisturizers, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Fragrances can cause irritation or dryness, making your skin more uncomfortable. Fragrance-free options are gentler and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

4. How often should I apply a drugstore moisturizer if I have dry skin?

You should apply a moisturizer at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, to keep your skin hydrated. For very dry or flaky areas, you may need to reapply throughout the day. Using a thicker cream or ointment at night can also help restore moisture while you sleep.

5. What type of moisturizer consistency is best for very dry skin?

For very dry skin, creams or ointments are usually the best choice as they offer more hydration than lotions. Ointments provide a protective barrier to lock in moisture and are ideal for rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels.

6. Can I use a drugstore moisturizer for both my face and body?

While some drugstore moisturizers are formulated for both the face and body, it’s often best to use a separate facial moisturizer that’s designed specifically for the delicate skin on your face. Body moisturizers tend to be thicker and may not be suitable for facial use, as they can clog pores or cause breakouts.

7. How do I know if a drugstore moisturizer is suitable for sensitive skin?

Look for labels that say “sensitive skin,” “fragrance-free,” or “non-comedogenic” on the packaging. These moisturizers are formulated without harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, or dyes that could irritate sensitive or reactive skin.

Conclusion

choosing the Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Dry Skin doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right product, you can achieve soft, hydrated skin without overspending. The moisturizers on our list provide effective solutions to combat dryness, irritation, and dullness, offering long-lasting hydration. Whether you’re dealing with flaky patches or need daily moisture, there’s a product here that’s perfect for your skin type and budget. Don’t wait any longer—select the one that suits your needs and enjoy healthier, smoother skin throughout 2024. Your ideal moisturizer is just a purchase away!

Read More:

• Top 10 Best Tinted Moisturizers For Dry Skin
• The 10 Best Body Moisturizers For Dry Skin To Buy
• Our 10 Best Korean Moisturizers – Top Picks