Beauty

The best moisturisers from the drugstore (affordable and really good)

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A good moisturiser doesn't have to be a drain on your bank account. It really doesn't. Of course, don't get me wrong: I also get very happy with such a nice jar in my bathroom cabinet (yes, in the cabinet, because keep it dry and dark, right?). But when it comes to hydration, it's all about ingredients, not marble-look packaging with a gold lining.

Indeed, there are creams at the drugstore that will make your skin just as happy as a variant that requires you to pull out your credit card. You just need to know where to look. Because yes, in a Kruidvat or Etos, choosing can be difficult - the selection is quite gigantic.

So herewith: the best moisturisers from the drugstore. Affordable, suitable for different skin types and, perhaps most importantly, effective. Coming up.

First things first: what does a moisturiser actually do?

Hydration, very simply put, means bringing moisture into your skin and keeping it there.

And importantly: even if you have oilier skin, that does not automatically mean your skin is well hydrated. In fact, I see it happen often enough around me that girlfriends reach for Sudocrem because it makes the skin look less oily. But of course this is not wise. Fat (sebum) and moisture are two different things. Even if your skin is shiny or prone to blemishes, it may still crave hydration. In fact, if you don't moisturise oily skin enough, your skin may actually start producing more sebum to compensate for that deficit.

Because skin can be so oily: without sufficient moisture it looks dull, tight and unbalanced. And the same goes for dry skin, of course, although you often reach for moisturising products sooner.

What should you look for in a good moisturiser?

These are the most common ingredients you want to watch out for:

  • Hyaluronic acid (attracts moisture)
  • Glycerine (retains moisture)
  • Ceramides (repair the skin barrier)
  • Panthenol (soothes)

Drugstore tips for your skin type

1. For dry skin: CeraVe Moisturising Cream
This is one of those creams that could always be in my bathroom cabinet. No fuss, yes ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It feels rich but not suffocating. Perfect if your skin feels tight easily or just needs more in winter.

Extra tip for really dry skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Cream
This popular cream has just been renewed and contains hyaluronic acid as well as vitamin B5, which helps to repair and soothe the skin barrier. The texture is creamier than a gel cream, but still absorbs quickly.

I recently started using it myself and my first jar is already finished, so nice. And handy: a refill is available, which also saves a few euros.

2. For sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive
Do you have skin that reacts to everything? Then this is a safe choice. Minimalist formula, no perfume, no drama. Just soothing hydration.

For sensitive (and dry) skin: Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
We are big fans on the editorial staff, there is a jar in my bathroom as standard.

This is one of those creams you might not buy for the packaging, but for what it does. Developed for sensitive and dry skin, Cetaphil's moisturiser is known for its mild, perfume-free formula. It leaves a slightly greasy film, but this is not bothersome, especially if your skin needs comfort.

3. For oily or combination skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This is hydration without that “I-have-a-layer-on-my-face” feeling. Light, fresh, absorbs quickly and works great under foundation.

Tip: perfect if you think your skin doesn't need cream because it's already shiny. Chances are it is actually lacking moisture.

4. Budget topper: Kruidvat Sensitive Day Cream
Sometimes you just want something that works and doesn't cost more than a tenner. This one does exactly that. With glycerin, without a heavy scent and surprisingly comfortable. Ideal as a base or no-nonsense option.

5. For just a little more care: Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Day cream
Want to combine hydration with a light anti-ageing boost? Then this is a fine middle ground. Comfortable, not heavy and suitable for daily use.

6. All-round favourite: Biodermal P-CL-E Fluid
A classic. Light in texture, moisturises well and never feels greasy. Especially nice if you like a natural finish without shine.