Moisturizers are key to achieving your glow and repairing your skin. I have found that the 3 essential skincare items are a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen — that’s it. So finding the right moisturizers will be a game changer for you.
Moisturizers: A Must-Have in Your Skincare Routine
Moisturizers are the key to healthy, balanced skin, no matter your skin type! They help lock in hydration, protect your skin barrier, and keep dryness, irritation, and premature aging at bay. But not all moisturizers are created equal—choosing the right one can make all the difference.
- Gel Moisturizers – Lightweight and water-based, perfect for oily & acne-prone skin.
- Lotion Moisturizers – A balanced mix of hydration and nourishment, great for normal & combination skin.
- Cream Moisturizers – Thicker and deeply hydrating, ideal for dry & sensitive skin.
- Occlusive Moisturizers – Seal in moisture and prevent water loss, best for very dry or compromised skin barriers.
How often should you moisturize?
Twice a day! In the morning, a lightweight moisturizer preps your skin for SPF and makeup. At night, a richer formula helps replenish and repair your skin while you sleep.
No matter your skin type, hydrated skin = happy skin! Ready to find your perfect moisturizer? Check out my top picks for gentle, budget-friendly skincare dupes!
Ultimate Money Saving Options
This list will display some of my all-time favorite money saving moisturizers. Not only are these saving me money, its also saving my skin! Many of these can be found and ordered on Amazon so you can start your skin journey ASAP!
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
A holy grail moisturizer loved by makeup artists and skincare enthusiasts alike, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré ($29 for 2.54 oz on Amazon) is the ultimate multi-use hydrator. This rich, nourishing cream works as a moisturizer, primer, and even a makeup remover, making it a must-have for dry and sensitive skin. Infused with shea butter, aloe vera, and soy proteins, it deeply hydrates and soothes without feeling greasy.
Why It’s My Fav: It leaves my skin soft, plump, and perfectly prepped for makeup, giving that effortless French girl glow.
✔️ Best for: Dry, normal, and sensitive skin
✔️ Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Soy Proteins
✔️ Texture: Rich, creamy, yet fast-absorbing
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
A dermatologist favorite, the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($12.48 for 12 oz on Amazon) delivers long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, it helps maintain your skin’s natural barrier while keeping it soft and smooth.
Why It’s a Go-To: This fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula works for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It’s lightweight yet hydrating enough for face and body, making it a budget-friendly must-have!
✔️ Best for: Normal, dry, and sensitive skin
✔️ Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Glycerin
✔️ Texture: Lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
If your skin is easily irritated and you need a simple, effective moisturizer, the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer ($13.56 for 3 oz on Amazon) is a dermatologist-approved favorite. This fragrance-free, lightweight formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to deliver deep hydration without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Why It’s a Sensitive Skin Hero: It’s free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, and common irritants, making it perfect for eczema-prone or reactive skin. The non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture makes it ideal for daily use under makeup or on its own!
✔️ Best for: Sensitive, normal, and dry skin
✔️ Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Squalane
✔️ Texture: Lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Another dermatologist-recommended favorite, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($19.99 for 2.5 oz on Amazon) is perfect for hydrating and restoring the skin barrier. Infused with ceramides, niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay’s signature prebiotic thermal water, this lightweight yet deeply moisturizing cream provides 48-hour hydration while helping to calm and repair sensitive skin.
Why It’s a Must-Have: Its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula is ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Plus, it layers well under sunscreen and makeup, making it a great daily moisturizer!
✔️ Best for: Normal, dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin
✔️ Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Prebiotic Thermal Water
✔️ Texture: Lightweight, creamy, non-greasy
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
If your skin needs intense hydration without feeling heavy, the COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream ($18.99 for 3.38 oz on Amazon) is a must-try. Packed with hyaluronic acid and sea buckthorn oil, this rich yet lightweight cream deeply hydrates, nourishes, and helps strengthen the skin barrier—leaving your skin soft, bouncy, and glowing.
Why It’s a K-Beauty Favorite: The silky, gel-cream texture absorbs beautifully without clogging pores, making it perfect for dry, dehydrated, and combination skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and great for sensitive skin!
✔️ Best for: Dry, normal, and dehydrated skin
✔️ Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Glycerin
✔️ Texture: Rich yet lightweight, fast-absorbing
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Looking for simple, effective hydration without the extra fluff? The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($7.50 for 3.3 oz on Amazon) is a no-nonsense, lightweight moisturizer that delivers essential hydration while supporting your skin barrier.
Why so Special: Formulated with amino acids, ceramides, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer mimics your skin’s natural hydration system—keeping it soft, smooth, and protected. It’s non-greasy, fragrance-free, and perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin!
✔️ Best for: All skin types, especially oily & combo
✔️ Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids, Ceramides
✔️ Texture: Lightweight, non-greasy
Give these a try and let me know your thoughts 🙂 And don’t forget to build your perfect skincare routine by checking out my recommended cleansers, sunscreens, and more.
Remember when trying new products give it at least a month to truly see results. Be patient and gentle and you’ll start glowing in no time!