You may recall a few days back when we asked you a simple question: what's your favorite moisturizer under $40? (We asked because, well, people always ask us, and we figured the more suggestions, the merrier.) In the end, over 300 of you gave us recs (have we mentioned that you guys are the best? You're the best).
So, we tallied them all up, and now we're presenting the top 10 most-loved moisturizers, along with that most essential tidbit— why they're the greatest—for your/our edification and enjoyment. Take a look below, then read the original comments to get even more spot-on hydration advice.
1. CeraVe PM
Why it's a favorite:
"Cured my dehydrated skin and left me gloriously acne-free. Problem solved. For $15. Hallelujah.”
"I used to have really bad skin issues (acne caused by overly dry skin. It has a name, but it's long and I forgot it immediately after my dermatologist said it), and the only thing that cured it was switching to CeraVe Cleanser and moisturizer. Healing and glow-ifying, for sure.”
"I love CeraVe PM. It provides a lot of moisture without being slick or shiny. It's also great for sensitive skin.”
2. Embryolisse
Why it's a favorite:
"It's so hydrating. I find that my skin absorbs it best right out of the shower, when my face is still steamy. Then I ride that hyper-moisturized glow all day.”
"I have combination oily/dry skin and it leaves my face feeling moisturized but never greasy.”
"Even with my oily and acne prone skin it's fantastic.”
3. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Why it's a favorite:
"It's nice and lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy feeling behind for my combo skin.”
"The gel formula keeps my face from getting too oily and my makeup sliding off by lunch.”
"Lightweight, non-greasy, and very moisturizing.”
3. Avène Skin Recovery Cream
Why it's a favorite:
"It's ultra-moisturizing and soothing.”
"This moisturizer is THE moisturizer; it's like a cozy blanket for your face. Absolutely non-greasy (even for mixed skin), it's just the perfect hydration and quench for your tired skin (summer and winter!) When I get to bed with it, my skin says, 'Thank you.'”
"It's amazing, inexpensive and calms down my skin. It's very rich and heavy, so I only use it at night—but it's frikkin magic'
5. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer
Why it's a favorite:
"After seeing it sitting around the apartment, my boyfriend started stealing some and now it's his favorite as well.”
"It absorbs really well thanks to the squalane in it, & doesn't clog my pores at all.”
"Light but hydrating and doesn't feel like it just sits on your face all day.”
6. La Roche-Posay Toleriane
Why it's a favorite:
"The ONLY thing that saves my skin in the fall/winter/spring.”
"Lifesaver for sensitive skin.”
"It's rich, fragrance free, NO preservatives, no parabens, no lanolin. Perfect for reactive or sensitive skin. I use it every night over Roc's Deep Wrinkle Retinol Serum; I never get redness from the retinol now that I layer this on top.”
"Its under $30 and the perfect winter moisturizer. It has a thick, creamy texture but melts in to the skin easily and leaves a protective barrier from the wind.”
7. Dr. Hauschka Rose Cream
Why it's a favorite:
"It wears extremely well under makeup. Very hydrating but not too heavy.”
"It's natural, awesome at moisturizing, it smells good...what more do we need from a moisturizer?”
"Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream is amazing. Works all year round for me.”
"Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream for winter, for other seasons: Dr. Hauschka Melissa Cream or Quince Cream or Rose Day Cream Light. Loving this natural skincare.”
8. Olay Complete
Why it's a favorite:
"Never leaves me greasy, and I've NEVER gotten a sunburn wearing the daytime moisturizer.”
"SPF 30, plus it's lightweight and not smelly.”
"I love Olay Complete. It was the first moisturizer I used at 13 and it's still my go-to over 10 years later.”
"Olay Complete! Doesn't break me out.”
9. Weleda Lotions
Why it's a favorite:
"Weleda Iris Hydrating Facial Lotion—smells great, light but moisturizing. Kinda perfect.”
"My boyfriend uses Weleda Skin Food: smells so good!!!.”
"Weleda Skin Food always feels good (sometimes I just use it on dry patches like my elbows or chin).”
"The Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Facial Lotion. They make a lotion and a cream—the lotion is the one to get! I bought it last winter when my skin got REALLY dry and sensitive out of nowhere. I have extremely oily skin normally, and this stuff just calms everything down. I'm obsessed with it and have gone through like five tubes over the last eleven months....”
10. DIY Oil Blends
Why it's a favorite:
"A spritz of Na-PCA followed by a thick layer of safflower oil.”
"Coconut oil every night. It's all natural, moisturizing, doesn't cause breakouts, and it's so cheap!! Doesn't get any better than that. As I've gotten older, I've realized being less harsh on my skin is better.”
"Almond oil—as a 52 year-old with skin that is getting drier, I love to apply this to my neck, décolletage, and sparingly around my eyes.”
"Rosehip oil. It's affordable, a little goes a long way, and it's a great source of retinoic acid.”
"After using cold pressed coconut oil on my face at night my sensitive, acne-prone skin is loving me! No, you can't wear it during the day (imagine going outside with oil on your face—lobster material!) because your makeup will slide off. But my skin feels ever-so-soft, moisturized and hydrated. Seriously get with the hype and give it a go—amazing.”
"I like using straight jojoba oil. I use the one from acne.org, but I think Trader Joe's sells it too. My dermatologist recommended it when I was on Accutane and it's been great when my skin gets super dry in the winter.”
"Mine is a homemade mix of jojoba and rosehip oils.”
Photos by Mathea Millman.
