As someone who is prone to dry skin, I've got to say that there are a lot of ups and downs when dealing with it. On top of my dry, sometimes sensitive skin, I have the pleasure of dealing with eczema. What can I say? It keeps things exciting. If you have any of the above skin issues, I'm sure you can relate.
Right now, I'm going through an "up" phase because the eczema on my hands and body is not flaring up, my face isn't dry and peeling, and my skin feels way soft. We're having a good moment. But I'm not trying to brag too much because today I'm going to tell you about my absolute favorite moisturizer to use during the times my skin is ultra-parched. And guess what? It can be found at the drugstore.
Let me introduce you to my holy-grail moisturizer: Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel-Cream. This drugstore find never fails me when it comes to saving my dry skin. It's a lightweight and cooling gel formula that feels so soothing on peeling, red, or irritated skin. If your skin has ever been so dry it actually hurts, you know that something cooling feels just heavenly. It also absorbs super quickly, so it works fast to get rid of that dry skin, and it doesn't leave a greasy or sticky feeling.
Whenever I put this on, my skin feels way better. And after a few days of application, the dryness is gone. Sometimes when my skin is extra dry, I'll apply it at least two times a day, and since it's a lightweight formula, it doesn't feel like I'm caking on the product. It's like magic for me since my skin looks and feels plumper, smoother, and healthier after using it.
I highly recommend trying my drugstore favorite the next time you experience dryness. And if you're looking for other moisturizing options, I've included some highly rated ones below that have similar price points.
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This cream can be used on both the face and body. The rich formula contains hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides to provide up to 24 hours of hydration.
2. Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream
In addition to the usual hydrating suspects like hyaluronic acid, Garnier's gel-cream is formulated with vitamin C to brighten and revive the skin.
3. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
This hydrating lotion works well on combination and sensitive skin types. The fast-absorbing and lightweight formula hydrates and locks in moisture for up to 24 hours.
4. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
I've always had eczema on my hand, but I started experiencing flare-ups on my body, so I was desperate to find a solution. Enter Aveeno's Eczema Therapy lotion. It was able to soothe my dry and irritated skin, and after about two weeks of use, my eczema flare-up was completely cleared.
5. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
In addition to targeting dryness, this face moisturizer protects against free radical damage. Ingredients include ceramides, prebiotic thermal water, glycerin, and niacinamide.
6. Nivea Intense Healing Body Lotion
If you're dealing with dry and tight skin all over your body, try this super-nourishing lotion. It's enriched with Nivea's serum and provitamin B5 and formulated to keep your skin moisturized for up to 72 hours.
7. Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
This cream works to prevent water evaporation so your skin won't dry out. It also smooths dehydration lines while providing 24 hours of hydration. Ingredients include shea butter and safflower oil.
8. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream's Moisturizing Cream is another go-to for me. I love that it's free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde—meaning it's easy on sensitive skin.
9. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream Moisturizer
This formula contains hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production and shea butter for a creamy texture and feel. You'll get up to 48 hours of hydration with this fast-absorbing cream.
10. Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Lotion
Great for extra-dry skin, Lubriderm's lotion is infused with nourishing vitamin E, provitamin B5, and lipids. It works to repair the skin's moisture barrier.
11. Olay Active Hydrating Cream
Not only does Olay's cream hydrate the skin, but it also smooths and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And even though the formula is rich, that doesn't mean it clogs pores.
12. L'Oréal Collagen Face Moisturizer
This moisturizer can be used both in the morning and evening to deliver deep hydration to the skin while also smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The lightweight and nongreasy formula works well on all skin types.
13. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
Aveeno's moisturizer is made for sensitive skin types. The prebiotic oat in the formula soothes and repairs the skin's moisture barrier, and feverfew calms irritated skin.
14. Differin Restorative Night Cream
Differin is known for its powerful and effective adapalene gel for acne, but it also has a deeply hydrating night moisturizer for dry and flaky skin. Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and allantoin.
15. St. Ives Renewing Moisturizer
This daily facial moisturizer contains collagen and elastin to condition the skin and leave it looking glowy. It's also made with safflower oil, which helps smooth and moisturize.
16. Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream
If you're dealing with any uncomfortable tightness and dryness, this gel-cream from Simple provides relief. The lightweight formula smooths on effortlessly and doesn't leave any stickiness or greasiness.
17. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream
Here's another intensely moisturizing option for the body (plus the face and hands). It's formulated with niacinamide, shea butter, and glycerin to hydrate and repair dry skin. It keeps skin moisturized for up to 48 hours.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
