The Best Drugstore Moisturizers For Dry Winter Skin

Whether it's flaky patches, itchy spots or redness and irritation, freezing temperatures and central heating can wreak havoc on your skin. If your current face cream just isn't cutting it these days, we've rounded up the best drugstore moisturizers to banish dry skin and keep your hydration levels in check.

How to pick a moisturizer for winter

In winter, hydration should be at the top of your priority list. No matter the other concerns you want to tackle, from signs of aging to redness to dark spots, moisturizing ingredients are a good place to start. Think: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, squalane and shea butter. All humectants, emollients and occlusives are a safe bet.

As for texture, it comes down to personal preference. Many people favour thick, creamy textures during the colder months, but oily skin types might want to stick to lightweight lotions and fluids throughout the year.

The best drugstore moisturizers to shop in 2024

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, $21

Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even in winter. This lightweight, fragrance-free lotion contains SPF 30, as well as ultra-effective ingredients like ceramides (to strengthen the skin's barrier) and hyaluronic acid (to boost hydration).

Burt's Bees Renewal Moisturizing Cream, $20

Formulated with bakuchiol—often touted as a gentler alternative to retinol—this moisturizer hydrates, improves texture and firms skin. The formula is thick enough for dehydrated and mature skin types and it easily melts in without any greasy residue. Unlike a typical retinol moisturizer, which is harsh and should be used with caution, this one can be used day and night. 

Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Cream, $24

Squalane and ceramides are the key ingredients in this luxurious face cream. The fragrance-free oil-based formula is ultra-gentle on dry, sensitive skin and a pleasure to use. For summer, consider switching to the brand’s equally hydrating Soak It Up Liquid Moisturizer, which has a thinner consistency.

E.l.f. Skin Hello Hydration! Fragrance-Free Face Cream, $15

This fragrance-free cream has over 3,400 5-star reviews on Amazon, and for good reason. It’s packed with high-end ingredients at drugstore prices, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide and squalane. 

Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream, $34

This rich, fragrance-free cream—which is dispensed from a sterile pump—works to instantly soothe and hydrate hypersensitive, reactive and allergic skin. Though it’s formulated specifically to be ultra-gentle, it’s suitable for all skin types.

We love that it’s easy to toss into a travel bag and can be used throughout the day to soothe flare-ups, rough spots and irritation.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, $19

Need a product that does it all? This iconic moisturizer is the ultimate multitasker—it doesn’t just hydrate, but can also be used as a primer, mask or makeup remover. It has over 9,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, with users raving about its smooth texture and light scent, as well as how gentle it is on their skin.

Nivea Luminous630 Dark Spot Solution Even Tone Cream, $60

Ten years of research went into the patented ingredient in this hyperpigmentation-zapping moisturizer. It helps fade pesky dark spots in as little as four weeks, and it contains hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.

The cream can be used daily on the areas that see the most sun damage, such as the face, neck and decolleté. 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Crème, $36

Created specifically for sensitive and reactive skin types, this sterile, fragrance-free formula provides long-lasting hydration. We like to keep it on hand at all times to soothe rosacea and eczema flare-ups throughout the year.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer, $30

Light and fast-absorbing, this soothing gel option quickly replenishes the skin barrier and boasts 24 hours of hydration. The star ingredient is prebiotic oat, which soothes dry, itchy skin brought on by cold winter temperatures.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, $27

This super affordable moisturizer is formulated with urea, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and ceramides to help replenish essential compounds that are naturally produced by your skin. It’s the brand’s thickest and most hydrating formula, making it ideal to protect parched, rough skin against the cold. 

Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream, $20

A cocktail of barrier-boosting ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids pairs up with bakuchiol and shea butter in this budget-friendly cream that nourishes, soothes and smooths. Despite its thick, creamy texture, it easily melts into the skin to provide up to 24 hours of hydration.

Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, $34

This new-to-Canada line has a host of beloved products worth discovering, but we recommend starting with this peptide-rich, vitamin C-infused moisturizer. The fragrance-free formula cocoons your skin in a veil of hydration, leaving it looking radiant and juicy. 

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15, $15

Thanks to the added SPF, this affordable hero product fits effortlessly into a morning skincare routine. Those with oily or acne-prone skin will love the texture of this oil-free formula, which leaves zero greasy residue behind and won’t clog pores. 

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer, $23

Loaded with peptides (think of them as building blocks that help support collagen production and keep skin firm), this face moisturizer boasts the luxurious texture of a much pricier product. The gel-like cream is lightweight, but still packs serious hydration.

This fragrance-free water-based formula is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. 

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream, $42

Since 1926, Weleda’s now-iconic Skin Food has been a favourite of editors, makeup artists and celebs (Victoria Beckham and Julia Roberts are reportedly fans), who love its skin-soothing superpowers. This stellar night cream is a spin on the original, packed with hydrating ingredients like cica, squalane and vitamin E.