5 Best Drugstore Moisturizers That Work Like a Charm and Don't Cost a Fortune

• Safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin
• Dermatologist-recommended
• Comes with SPF or without

• We can't think of any!

La Roche-Posay refuses to ever let us down. "This is an OG product," says Dr. Lal. "It has a formulation with and without a sunscreen. This is safe for all skin types, including those that have acne prone skin. It is safe for all sensitive skin types as well." This product uses ceramides to hydrate the soothe the skin, niaciamide to strengthen the skin barrier and even out the skin tone, and brand's ever-present thermal water which they claim contains antioxidants.

• Very hydrating
• Dermatologist-recommended

• Has a slight scent
• Pricey for a drugstore product

When a moisturizer is described as "marshmallow-like," that's something I definitely want to put on my face. And that's exactly how dermatologist Dr. Lal sees this product. "Classic French beauty signature product. This feels very marshmallow-like on the skin. It does have a light fragrance, but it does the job at keeping your skin moisturized and prevents water loss." For a drugstore product this is on the pricier side, but sometimes you get what you pay for.

• Huge amount of product
• Safe for very sensitive skin
• Hydrating but not oily

• Might be too thick for some

Enter, humble Vanicream–my personal favorite drugstore moisturizer. This tub is so huge you'll be able to use it for years, and despite how thick the cream is, the texture on the skin is pretty mild. It doesn't leave behind an oily sheen, but more so a silk finish that's somewhere between matte and dewy. You can also use this on your body or any eczema breakouts, since it's fragrance-free, dermatologist recommended, and has a coveted seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

• Dermatologist-recommended
• Soothes inflammation

• Can look shiny on the skin

This French moisturizer has been the secret behind so many handsome faces for years. It contains aloe vera, which is great for soothing inflamed skin. "This is another elegant moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and is safe for all skin types," says Dr. Lal. What better endorsement than one from a dermatologist? How about one from my husband, who likes almost nothing.

Are drugstore moisturizers as good as fancier options?

Save your coin. "Absolutely. I don’t waste money on moisturizer," says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. "Many of the ingredients between both of these moisturizer are very similar. High-end medical grade moisturizers may have additional antioxidants and or proprietary blends to help restore the skin barrier and rejuvenate the skin. You do not need a high-end moisturizer. Consistency when it comes to moisturization is the key to having a healthy skin barrier."

What are the best ingredients in a moisturizer?

"The best ingredients for hydration are glycerin, uric acid, polyhydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and urea," says Dr. Lal. You can check ingredient lists online or on the back of the packaging to find out if these are included.