A Dermatologist Reveals the 4 Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Dry Skin That Rival $100 Creams
You don't have to break the bank to restore moisture and soften the look of fine lines
Key Takeaways
- Mature skin naturally produces less oil, making moisture retention more challenging.
- Ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid help hydrate skin and support its protective barrier.
- Four affordable drugstore moisturizers offer options for different skin types and concerns.
Everyone’s skin, and therefore their skincare routine, is different. Some folks naturally produce more oil, while others tend to be drier. But regardless of your skin’s tendencies during your 30s and 40s, there are a few consistent changes that tend to happen as you reach your 50s and 60s—changes that require seeking out specific ingredients in your facial moisturizer.
“As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil and becomes less efficient at retaining moisture, which can lead to dryness, increased sensitivity and a more noticeable appearance of fine lines,” explains Brendan Camp, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York. The good news: You don’t need to shell out $100 or more for moisturizers that will help combat these issues. Here, Dr. Camp reveals what to look for in the best moisturizers for mature skin, plus shares four drugstore picks that will help keep dry skin soft and supple at a manageable price tag.
Best moisturizer ingredients for mature, dry skin
When choosing a moisturizer for mature skin, Dr. Camp says that the ingredients in the product should do two things: attract moisture and prevent moisture from escaping. If both of these are at play, it can limit dryness and soften the appearance of fine lines.
So, what ingredients have these effects? “Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are excellent humectants that draw water into the skin, while ceramides help replenish the skin’s protective barrier,” Dr. Camp says. “Niacinamide is another ingredient worth looking for, as it can help support the skin barrier and improve uneven skin tone over time.”
For sealing in moisture and preventing it from escaping, Dr. Camp highlights petrolatum, dimethicone and shea butter as ingredients to prioritize. “I generally recommend a fragrance-free formula, particularly for anyone experiencing dryness or sensitivity,” he adds.
4 best drugstore moisturizers for dry skin
“A good moisturizer doesn’t need to be expensive or contain dozens of active ingredients,” says Dr. Camp. Here are four he recommends—simply choose the one that best suits your skin type or individual needs.
A CeraVe cream that combats persistent dryness
If you’re struggling with dry skin that never seems to feel supple, Dr. Camp suggests trying CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to help lock in moisturize. “It contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help support the skin barrier and improve moisture retention,” he says. “I like that it focuses on replenishing moisture without relying on potentially irritating active ingredients.” The cream also feels thick and luxurious going on, which is a plus during chilly months.
The La Roche-Posay pick you can use all over
“Mature skin can become more prone to irritation as it loses moisture, so I appreciate products that prioritize barrier repair,” Dr. Camp says, which is why he loves La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+MAX Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream. “The formula contains shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide, which help hydrate the skin and support its protective barrier.” This is a thick moisturizer that’s marketed as a body cream—and is highly effective as one—but Dr. Camp adds that you can also use it on your face if you wish.
Neutrogena’s cream that feels feather-light
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream is Dr. Camp’s pick for folks who prefer a lighter moisturizer or those who still have combination or oily skin. “It contains hyaluronic acid and other hydrating ingredients that help the skin retain moisture without the heavier feel of a traditional cream,” he explains. “The gel-cream texture is also appealing for daytime use, particularly underneath sunscreen or makeup.”
An Olay moisturizer with anti-aging properties
Want your moisturizer to work double duty to soothe dry, sensitive skin and reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles? Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is the way to go, says Dr. Camp. “The formula includes niacinamide and peptides, which can help support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of skin texture over time,” he says. “It provides moisture while offering a more targeted approach to concerns like fine lines and uneven texture.”
How to choose the best moisturizer for your skin
“The most important thing is finding a product that provides lasting hydration, supports the skin barrier and feels comfortable enough to use consistently,” says Dr. Camp. Ultimately, it may take some trial and error depending on your skin type, especially if the texture or moisture in your skin is changing. But any of the four drugstore picks above would be an excellent place to start.
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