These days, you can find a great skincare product, one that might even become your new go-to, at any price point. That’s certainly the case when it comes to the number of affordable moisturisers currently saturating the market. Whilst some steps require you to splurge to really see results—visits to a facialist, laser treatments, at-home light therapy devices—ensuring your complexion remains soft, and your skin barrier protected, doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Do I Need to Use Moisturiser?
A great, affordable moisturiser is more than a skincare staple. For many, it’s a beauty necessity that takes care of flooding your face with hydration and vital ingredients. As Justine Hextall, fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and consulting dermatologist for La Roche-Posay, explains, "Skin that is lacking moisture is often dull in appearance, feels tight and uncomfortable. When the skin’s pH is balanced, calm and hydrated, we see improved barrier function with reduced impact from external aggressors."
Not only that, these creams can safeguard your skin against environmental concerns during the day and will help your skin cells recharge and rejuvenate overnight; all of our editors include one in their nighttime skincare routines. So yes, many will agree that moisturiser is a non-negotiable, but whether you need one is ultimately down to you.
Are Affordable Moisturisers as Effective as Expensive Moisturisers?
Because of their ability to repair, restore and nourish, it’s often the case that moisturisers are the most expensive element of your skincare ritual, especially if you're looking to target a specific concern like hyperpigmentation, dryness or fine lines. This is because moisturisers are frequently formulated with clever active ingredients and luxurious textures that give you a facialist-worthy quality. You can expect to pay a little more, but that doesn't mean you should have to. "There is not a direct relationship between cost and efficacy with a moisturiser," Hextall notes. Luckily, there are now some seriously good, affordable moisturisers out there, all of which offer high-quality formulas without the enormous price tags.
What to Look for When Buying an Affordable Moisturiser
Regardless of the frills promised on the package, Hextall reminds us that moisturising is a critical step to seeing a major transformation in your skin, irrespective of the issue you're trying to correct. "It is important to point out that all skin types benefit from hydration, be that oily or blemish-prone to combination and dry skin," she explains.
"Remember: a really good moisturiser that contains both humectants (something that draws water deep into the skin) and emollients (a softening and smoothing substance) that help to super-hydrate the skin and maintain that moisture all day is hard to beat."
Unsure where to start? Ahead, we’ve compiled your comprehensive guide to the best affordable moisturisers. Backed by our editors, we’ve road-tested products to help dismantle dryness, correct rough patches and soothe bumpy skin. From rich night creams to light gel formulas, find the best affordable moisturisers to add to your skincare routine below.
13 Best Affordable Moisturisers
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for All Skin Types: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream, £39
- The Best Moisturiser with SPF: Dr. Pawpaw Your Gorgeous Skin SPF 50 Day Cream, £18
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for Dry Skin: Weleda Skin Food Light, £10
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin: Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream, £18
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for Oily Skin: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream, £17
1. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
Price shown is members' price.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Pros
- Deeply hydrating and nourishing
Cons
- Glass jar packaging may not be travel-friendly
Why we love it: We've sung our praises about Beauty Pie, and this affordable moisturiser is one of the brand's best sellers. Oh, and if you're a member, it costs just a fraction of the price.
Editor review: "When I first tried this Beauty Pie product, I knew the texture felt super similar, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it reminded me of," says beauty contributor Grace Day. "It was only when I came to put my foundation on, and it glided on so smoothly, that I realised it was Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Base. They're both perfect for quickly nourishing skin and getting that super smooth, glowy canvas for makeup, but the Beauty Pie offering is just a fraction of the price. It's the perfect moisturiser for glowing skin."
2. Dr. Pawpaw Your Gorgeous Skin SPF 50 Day Cream
Key ingredients: Papaya, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Affordable price point
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones
Why we love it: This underrated moisturiser with SPF has a legion of committed fans who rave about its lightweight, fluid texture, glowy finish and ultra-hydrating formula. It also features SPF 50+, making it a great option to further shield your skin from ultraviolet radiation—the single biggest cause of premature ageing. If you use your moisturiser as a primer, be sure to check out our guide to the best sunscreens for under makeup, too.
Editor review: "Dr. PawPaw's SPF moisturiser is ideal for anyone looking to cut down steps in their morning routine (and save money on purchasing two separate products!)," says Katie Onyejekwe, facialist and makeup artist. Functioning as both a high-factor sunscreen and hydrating moisturiser, the lightweight fluid texture means you can apply enough product to get the protection necessary (half a teaspoon for the face and neck) without leaving a heavy, greasy residue behind."
3. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
Cons
- May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin
Why we love it: CeraVe is best known for its nourishing ceramide-boosted moisturisers, which are perfect for dry and sensitive skin types. But if you're more on the oily side, this lightweight gel cream will be a better option. It helps to maintain and balance skin's hydration levels whilst preventing excess oil from shining through.
Editor review: "As someone with an oily complexion, I always tend to go for a gel-cream formula as they feel hydrating without clogging my skin or making me feel overly greasy," says deputy beauty editor Grace Lindsay. "This CeraVe one has impressed me thanks to its lightweight texture. My skin laps up the hyaluronic acid and ceramide-infused formula, and the oil-absorbing technology means that it creates the perfect base for my makeup."
4. Weleda Skin Food Light
Key ingredients: Wild pansy, chamomile, calendula
Pros
- Affordable and widely available
Cons
- Herbal scent may not be to everyone's liking
Why we love it: This is the lighter and more affordable version of the brand's classic moisturiser, which is adored by makeup artists for skin prep. Plus, it's one of Hailey Bieber's favourites, too. Skin that needs a little TLC would benefit from a targeted moisturiser that repairs and protects.
Editor review: "Whilst I'm a fan of Weleda's original Skin Food formula, sometimes it can be a little too heavy for my skin," says Lindsay. However, my complexion can't get enough of this lightweight version. It's still more nourishing than your average moisturiser, but sinks into the skin in seconds and never feels like too much."
5. Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal, arnica
Pros
- Rich, occlusive texture that locks in moisture
Cons
- Some users find the scent off-putting
Why we love it: Build the strength and integrity of your skin barrier with this soothing cream balm. This affordable moisturiser is packed full of hydrating, calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, milk thistle and centella asiatica, an ingredient you might better recognise as cica.
Editor review: "Yes, this moisturiser is blue, but don't be alarmed by the colour, as it disappears as soon as you blend the product into your skin," says Lindsay. I like to think of this as the moisturiser version of a cashmere blanket. It feels so incredibly soft and nourishing and is ideal for the winter months."
6. Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream
Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, squalane
Pros
- Lightweight gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly
Cons
- Some users report pilling under makeup
Why we love it: Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream is a winner for sensitive skin that needs some hydration. It's so lightweight and melts into the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated without feeling tacky.
Editor review: "My sensitive skin loves this moisturiser, especially in the summer," says Lindsay. It is one of the most lightweight formulas I have tried."
7. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
Key ingredients: Prebiotics, vitamin B5, centella asiatica
Pros
- Soothes and repairs irritated or damaged skin
Cons
- Thick texture may feel heavy for some users
Why we love it: La Roche-Posay's iconic Cicaplast Balm was designed as a multi-tasking cream that soothes and shields irritated skin as a moisturiser, but it can also be worn as a thick mask overnight to leave your skin looking glassy come morning.
Editor review: "I like to pop this on at night whenever I've used a product that can be a little more drying (such as retinol or an exfoliating acid), and I always wake up with such a glowing complexion," says Lindsay. My skin can get quite congested, so it's not a product I would use every day, but I love having it to hand when my complexion needs a little TLC."
8. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Key ingredients: Amino acids, fatty acids, ceramides
Pros
- Affordable and effective
Cons
- Some users desire a richer texture for very dry skin
Why we love it: Skin that needs some love would benefit from a targeted moisturiser that repairs and protects. This skin-friendly, affordable moisturiser from The Ordinary works by supporting the skin barrier, so it’s perfect for a whole variety of skin types.
Editor review: "This is one of those great all-rounder moisturisers that I like to have in my bathroom cupboard at all times," says Lindsay. It's nourishing, but not too thick, and is packed with hydrating ingredients, so I know I can trust it to get the job done."
9. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream
Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, ceramides
Pros
- Soothes redness and irritation
Cons
- Contains essential oils that may irritate very sensitive skin
Why we love it: Treat your skin to the secrets of Korean skincare with this moisturiser from Dr. Jart+. Whilst it's a little more on the expensive side of affordable, in comparison to luxury price tags, this feels more reasonable. Truly a salve that saturates far beneath the skin's surface, this thick cream is made from hydrating ceramides, an ingredient that helps retain moisture and creates a natural skin barrier.
Editor review: "I come back to this moisturiser every winter—there's nothing else quite like it," says Lindsay. Thick and nourishing, it's like a winter duvet for dry skin, packed with nourishing ceramides. A real treat to use."
10. Nivea Creme
Key ingredients: Glycerin, paraffin
Why we love it: If it's a super-rich and comforting texture you're after, Nivea's Creme is widely considered an affordable gem with a luxurious texture. It might not have luxury packaging, but it's incredibly gentle and seriously hydrating. In fact, we'd say it's one of the best skincare products for mature skin.
Editor review: "This basic-in-a-good-way moisturiser does exactly what it says on the tin, nourishing skin with its rich texture," says Day. "I personally find it too heavy to use daily on my acne-prone skin, but as a one-off overnight boost for dry skin in the winter, it's perfect."
Pros
- Highly affordable and widely available
Cons
- Thick and heavy texture may feel greasy to some users
11. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Key ingredients: Ascorbic acid, squalane
Why we love it: Given that experts recommend using vitamin C as part of your morning routine to maximise the antioxidising effects, this affordable moisturiser from The Ordinary is a great multitasking option and even comes in for under the price of an average Pret lunch. How’s that for brightening your day?
Editor review: "Vitamin C is the ultimate antioxidant for brightening and protecting from pollution," says Day. This The Ordinary cream has a lovely light gel texture and is formulated without pore-clogging oils, making it great for oily skin types."
Pros
- High concentration of Vitamin C for brightening
Cons
- Gritty texture that some users find unpleasant
12. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, shea butter
Pros
- Contains bio-active ceramides for skin barrier support
Cons
- May not provide sufficient moisture for very dry skin
Why we love it: If you are in want of a more affordable moisturiser that is still equally nourishing, this is perfect for strengthening the skin barrier. Try this accessible option and be sure to thank me later.
Editor review: "I recommend this moisturiser to almost all of my clients," says Day. It's a great daytime moisturiser for dry skin and a great nighttime moisturiser for normal or more oily skin. Literally all skin types will benefit from it, including acne-prone complexions. Because it's so affordable, I find people are generous with application, so they quickly see the benefits."
13. Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser
Key ingredients: Prebiotics, oat, feverfew
Why we love it: Oat-derived ingredients also have impressive benefits for sensitive skin conditions. The countless positive reviews for this affordable moisturiser prove just how effective it is when it comes to soothing irritation, as well.
Editor review: "Even the most sensitive of skin types can tolerate this moisturiser. It's light, soothing and cooling thanks to its gel-textured formula, and the addition of oat helps to calm and nourish stressed skin," says Day.
Pros
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Cons
- May not provide enough moisture for very dry skin
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.