It’s easy to be mesmerized by a buzzy new beauty brand or an exclusive celebrity-backed product. I mean, even Brad Pitt makes skin care now. Still, sometimes it’s appropriate to shout out the OG drugstore beauty products that paved the way — those budget-friendly and fuss-free essentials that can always be relied upon, year after year. In that spirit, and with colder, drier temps settling in, Bustle pinged a handful of board-certified derms for their picks of the best drugstore moisturizers under $30.
Before you add a bunch to your cart, it’s important to know what makes a good moisturizer in the first place. Moisturizers can be water-based, oil-based (aka occlusive), or emollient (thick creams and balms). Your skin type can tell you which formula suits you best. Oily and acneic complexions, for instance, are often better suited to water-based moisturizers (think gel creams) while dry skin types do best with occlusive or emollient formulas.
As for the best ingredients to look for? Experts recommend reaching for moisturizers packed with skin-hydrating staples — these include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin, to name just a few examples. It also helps if the formula contains ingredients that support the skin barrier, aka your complexion’s all-important protective layer that keeps external pollutants from penetrating beneath the skin’s surface and causing damage as it helps keep hydration in. Think: ceramides, probiotics, and squalane.
Now for the fun part: Keep scrolling to see if your favorite drugstore moisturizer made the dermatologist-approved list.
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The Experts
Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in general medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, cosmetics, and pediatric dermatology.
Dr. Jenny Liu, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Dr. Heather Woolery-LLoyd, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist who serves as vice president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Papri Sarkar. M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Ryan Turner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, general dermatology, surgical dermatology, and laser surgery.
Dr. Morgan Rabach, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital.