Drugstore moisturizers get a bad rap for no reason. It’s no longer the mid-2000s when pharmacies were still way behind the competition. Nowadays, you can find some of the best moisturizers at drugstores and pharmacies across the country because they’re stocking from the same brands that major online retailers do.
That’s great news if you prefer supporting a local store or just need a great moisturizer in a pinch. Though your selection will be comparatively limited, seeing as online stores have a million options, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Instead of 100 decent moisturizers that you have to sift through, you’ll simply see 10-15 of the best drugstore moisturizers instead.
To convince you, we checked out a few of our own local (and online) drugstores to identify our favorite moisturizers that they regularly keep in stock, so the next time you pop into one, you’ll know exactly which moisturizer they’ll have that works for your skin.
So arm yourself with knowledge because it’s a lot easier to shop for the best drugstore moisturizers when you already know which ones will be best for you.
1. Neutrogena Age Fighter Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen
BEST OVERALL
The Neutrogena Age Fighter Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen is a top-notch moisturizer common to so many drugstores. Retinol, vitamin E and more reduce fine lines and hydrate skin, while SPF 15 sunscreen ensures UV rays don’t age your skin further. Plus, it’s not at all expensive and suitable for daily use for all skin types.
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2. Dollar Shave Club Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 30
RUNNER-UP
Yup, one of the best subscription grooming brands is trying to break into pharmacies to claim the mantle of best drugstore moisturizer. The Dollar Shave Club Oil-Free Moisturizer hydrates skin while protecting it from the sun with SPF 30. Because it’s lightweight and oil-free, it won’t feel shiny or greasy and will work well for all skin types. Plus if you love it, you can go online and subscribe to receive it twice a month instead of picking it up at the drugstore.
3. Bulldog Original Moisturizer
HONORABLE MENTION
The Bulldog Original Moisturizer has natural ingredients like aloe and green tea to calm and moisturize skin and offers great value in a 3.3-ounce bottle. If you’re looking for a no-frills, all-around great drugstore moisturizer for daily use, give Bulldog a shot.
4. Gillette Skin Comforting Moisturizer
CONTENDER
Gillette may be known as a shaving brand, but all shaving brands are effectively skincare brands. That’s why we trust the Gillette Skin Comforting Moisturizer. Likely to be on every drugstore shelf in America due to Gillette’s market size, this moisturizer will restore any skin type with its non-sticky, fast-absorbing shea butter and vitamin E formula.
5. Nivea Men Creme
BUDGET PICK
More of a lightweight lotion and cream than a moisturizer, the Nivea Men Creme nonetheless offers a ton of hydration for your face, body and hands. Rub it in for fast absorption and to reduce dryness.
6. Goodline Grooming Co. Daily Face Moisturizer
BEST HOUSE BRAND MOISTURIZER
Made with sensitive skin in mind but suitable for all skin types, CVS’s in-house brand Goodline Grooming Co. Daily Face Moisturizer is one of the best drugstore moisturizers you can buy. Shea butter, vitamin E and essential oils deliver all the hydration your face needs to restore your skin to its natural glory.
7. Gold Bond Men’s Essentials Hydrating Lotion
BEST ALL-OVER MOISTURIZER
We don’t know about you, but our body and hands get dry as often, if not more often, than our faces. That’s why every man needs a bottle of Gold Bond Men’s Essentials Hydrating Lotion in their bathroom or bedroom. Aloe and other intensive moisturizers will absorb quickly and leave you with 24 hours of smooth, hydrated skin.
8. GoodSkin MD Night Cream
BEST FOR OVERNIGHT MOISTURIZATION
A CVS exclusive, the GoodSkin MD line offers high-quality skincare at a reasonable price. Nighttime is one the easiest and best times to restore skin, which is why we recommend the GoodSkin MD Night Cream. Definitely more of a cream than a moisturizer, it uses glycerin, vitamin B3 and panthenol to moisturize your skin while you sleep. You’ll see just how great the results will be the next day, and we bet you’ll be so satisfied that you just might take moisturizing out of your morning routine.
9. Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen
BEST FOR MAJOR SUN PROTECTION
If you know your skin burns easily, you’ll want a moisturizer that loads up on SPF like the Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen. Antioxidants and vitamin E take care of the hydration while SPF 50 sunscreen absorbs 98% of UV rays before they can seriously damage your skin.
10. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer
BEST FROM THE LADIES’ AISLE
You won’t find it in most men’s personal care aisles, but take a peek into the ladies’ aisle to find the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer. Drugstores ought to throw this in the men’s aisle too because there’s nothing feminine about it, unless actually great moisturization belongs solely to women.
This gel moisturizer absorbs fast and features hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in the skin, to seriously hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. Use it every day and you’ll always have peak skin.
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