These days, you can find a great skincare product, one that might even become your new go-to, at any price point. That’s certainly the case when it comes to the number of affordable moisturisers currently saturating the market. While some steps require you to splurge to really see results—visits to your esthetician, laser treatments, at-home light therapy devices —ensuring your complexion remains soft, and your skin barrier stays protected, doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Do I Need to Use Moisturiser?
It's true, a great affordable moisturiser is more than a skincare staple—for many, it’s a beauty necessity that takes care of flooding your face with hydration and vital ingredients. As Justine Hextall, fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and consulting dermatologist for La Roche-Posay, explains, "skin that is lacking moisture is often dull in appearance, feels tight and uncomfortable," she says. "When the skin’s pH is balanced, calm and hydrated, we see improved barrier function with reduced impact from external aggressors," Hextall adds.
Not only that, these creams can safeguard your skin against environmental concerns during the day and will help your skin cells recharge and rejuvenate overnight—all of our editors include one in their nighttime skincare routines. So yes, many will agree that a moisturiser is a non-negotiable, but whether you need one is ultimately down to you.
Are Affordable Moisturisers as Effective as Expensive Moisturisers?
Because of their ability to repair, restore and nourish, it’s often the case that moisturisers are the most expensive element of your skincare ritual, especially if you're looking to target a specific concern like hyperpigmentation, dryness or fine lines. This is because moisturisers are frequently formulated with clever active ingredients and luxurious textures that give you a salon-worthy quality. You can expect to pay a little more, but that doesn't mean you should have to. "There is not a direct relationship between cost and efficacy with a moisturiser," Hextall notes. Luckily, there are now some seriously major affordable moisturisers out there, all of which offer high-quality products without the enormous price tags.
What to Look Out for When Buying an Affordable Moisturiser
Regardless of the frills promised on the package, Hextall reminds us that moisturising is a critical step to seeing a major transformation to your skin, irrespective of the issue you're trying to correct. "It is important to point out that all skin types benefit from hydration, be that oily or blemish-prone to combination and dry skin," she explains.
"Remember, a really good moisturiser that contains both humectants (something that draws water deep into the skin) and emollients (a softening and smoothing substance) that help to super-hydrate the skin and maintain that moisture all day is hard to beat." Unsure where to start? Ahead, we’ve compiled your comprehensive guide to the most popular high-end moisturisers and their affordable alternatives to help you know where to splurge and, more importantly, where to save.
Backed by our editors, we’ve road-tested treatments to help dismantle dryness, correct rough patches and soothe bumpy skin. From rich night creams to light gel formulas, see the chicest affordable moisturisers to add to your skincare routine below.
22 Affordable Moisturisers to Shop, Plus Their High-End Counterparts
- The Best Overall Affordable Moisturiser: Weleda Skin Food Light
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for Dry Skin: Embrolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin: Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for Oily Skin: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser for Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser With SPF: Dr. Pawpaw Your Gorgeous Skin SPF50 Day Cream
- The Best Affordable Moisturiser to Wear Under Makeup: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
1. Lumene Weightless Moisturiser
Key Ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, oat
This affordable moisturiser is lightweight and perfect for skin prone to oiliness. Thanks to plenty of hyaluronic acid and a boosting blend of ceramides, the weightless formula hydrates skin and helps to prevent both excess dryness and flare-ups of oiliness. Curious about how hyaluronic acid can further benefit your routine? Read about the best hyaluronic acid serums to shop, here.
Pros
- Provides hydration without heaviness
Cons
- Fragrance may not suit super sensitive skin
Tested by Eleanor Vousden,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK's beauty editor
Eleanor's review: "I have combination skin, so I find it tricky to find really good (and affordable) moisturisers that deliver hydration while still controlling shine. I've recently been testing Lumene's Weightless Moisturiser, and I'm very impressed with how well it controls the oil around my T-zone throughout the day. It contains zinc, which helps to mitigate excess oil, and dries down into a smooth matte finish while delivering sufficient moisture. I love it as a primer for makeup, too."
2. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
Price shown is members' price.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
We've sung our praises about Beauty Pie, and this affordable moisturiser is one of the brand's best sellers. Plus, it has a similar consistency and ingredients list to Bobbi Brown's cult Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Oh, and if you're a member, it costs just a fraction of the price.
Pros
- Deeply hydrating and nourishing
Cons
- Glass jar packaging may not be travel-friendly
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
Grace's review: "When I first tried this Beauty Pie product, I knew the texture felt super similar, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it reminded me of. It was only when I came to put my foundation on, and it glided on so smoothly, that I realised it was Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Base. They're both perfect for quickly nourishing skin and getting that super smooth, glowy canvas for makeup, but the Beauty Pie offering is just a fraction of the price. It's the perfect moisturiser for glowing skin."
3. Dr. Pawpaw Your Gorgeous Skin SPF 50 Day Cream
Key Ingredients: Papaya, hyaluronic acid
This underrated moisturiser with SPF has a legion of committed fans who rave about its lightweight, fluid texture, glowy finish, and ultra-hydrating formula. It also features SPF 50+, making it a great option to further shield your skin from ultraviolet radiation—the single biggest cause of premature ageing. If you use your moisturiser as a primer, be sure to check out our guide to the best sunscreens for under makeup, too.
Pros
- Affordable price point
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones
Tested by Katie Onyejekwe, esthetician and makeup artist
Katie's review: "Dr. PawPaw's SPF moisturiser is ideal for anyone looking to cut down steps in their morning routine (and save money on purchasing two separate products!) Functioning as both a high-factor sunscreen and hydrating moisturiser, the lightweight fluid texture means you can apply enough product to get the protection necessary (half a teaspoon for the face and neck) without leaving a heavy, greasy residue behind."
4. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
CeraVe is best known for its nourishing ceramide-boosted moisturisers, which are perfect for dry and sensitive skin types. But if you're more on the oily side, this lightweight gel cream will be a better option. It helps to maintain and balance skin's hydration levels while preventing excess oil from shining through.
Pros
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
Cons
- May not provide enough hydration for very dry skin
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: "As someone with an oily complexion, I always tend to go for a gel-cream formula as they feel hydrating without clogging my skin or making me feel overly greasy. The Kiehl's cream is a bit of a cult classic in the beauty industry, but CeraVe's has impressed me thanks to its lightweight texture. My skin laps up the hyaluronic acid and ceramide-infused formula, and the oil-absorbing technology means that it creates the perfect base for my makeup."
5. Weleda Skin Food Light
Key Ingredients: Wild pansy, chamomile, and calendula
This is the lighter and more affordable version of the brand's classic moisturiser, which is ideal for oilier skin types and is also adored by makeup artists for skin prep. Plus, it is one of Hailey Bieber's favourite moisturisers too. Skin that needs a little TLC would benefit from a targeted moisturiser that repairs and protects.
Pros
- Affordable and widely available
Cons
- Herbal scent may not be to everyone's liking
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: "While I'm a fan of Weleda's original Skin Food formula, sometimes it can be a little too heavy for my skin. However, my complexion can't get enough of this lightweight version. It's still more nourishing than your average gel-cream moisturiser, but sinks into the skin in seconds and never feels like too much."
6. Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm
Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, colloidal oatmeal, arnica
Build the strength and integrity of your skin barrier with this soothing cream balm. This affordable moisturiser is stuffed full of hydrating, calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, milk thistle and centella asiatica—an ingredient you might better recognise as 'cica'.
Pros
- Rich, occlusive texture that locks in moisture
Cons
- Some users find the scent off-putting
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: "Yes, this moisturiser is blue, but don't be alarmed by the colour, as it disappears as soon as you blend the product into your skin. I like to think of this as the moisturiser version of a cashmere blanket. It feels so incredibly soft and nourishing and is ideal for the winter months."
7. Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, squalane
Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Cream is a winner for oily skin that needs some hydration. It's so lightweight and melts into the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated without feeling tacky.
Pros
- Lightweight gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly
Cons
- Some users report pilling under makeup
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: "My oily skin loves this moisturiser, especially in the summer. It is one of the most lightweight formulas I have tried!"
9. Beauty Pie Youthbomb Biologic Collagen Peptide Cream
Price shown is members' price.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, shea butter, niacinamide
If you love super-rich, nourishing creams that also contain antioxidants, look no further than this affordable moisturiser. It's jam-packed with ingredients such as peptides and niacinamide that encourage your skin to look plumper, bouncier and clearer.
Pros
- High concentration of active ingredients
Cons
- May be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: "This moisturiser feels so much more expensive than it actually is. The packaging, the formula, the glow that it gives...everything gets a big yes from me."
9. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, vitamin B5, centella asiatica
La Roche-Posay's iconic Cicaplast Balm was designed as a multi-tasking cream that soothes and shields irritated skin as a moisturiser, but it can also be worn as a thick mask overnight to leave your skin looking glassy come morning.
Pros
- Soothes and repairs irritated or damaged skin
Cons
- Thick texture may feel heavy for some users
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: "I like to pop this on at night whenever I've used a product that can be a little more drying (such as retinol or an exfoliating acid), and I always wake up with such a glowing complexion. My skin can get quite congested, so it's not a product I would use every day, but I love having it to hand when my complexion needs a little TLC."
10. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, fatty acids, ceramides
Skin that needs a little TLC would benefit from a targeted moisturiser that repairs and protects. This skin-friendly, affordable moisturiser from The Ordinary works by supporting the skin barrier so it’s perfect for a whole variety of skin types.
Pros
- Affordable and effective
Cons
- Some users desire a richer texture for very dry skin
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: "This is one of those great all-rounder moisturisers that I like to have in my bathroom cupboard at all times. It's nourishing, but not too thick, and is packed with hydrating ingredients, so I know I can trust it to get the job done."
11. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Skinscreen
Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum, peptides
Of course, if you’re seeking to reduce the number of steps in your AM skincare ritual, removing sunscreen is out of the question. For a hydrating and affordable moisturiser that doubles as sun protection, Ultra Violette’s creamy Supreme Screen is a base that can provide both. Suitable for dry, normal and combination skin types, slap on this SPF 50+ to prime and even tone.
Pros
- Leaves a dewy finish
Cons
- May feel greasy for oily skin types
Tested by Grace Lindsay,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing's junior beauty editor
Grace's review: I've used this SPF 50+ for a while now, as I love how nourishing it feels. The fact that I can get hydration and protection in one is a big plus."
12. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, ceramides
Treat your skin to the secrets of Korean skincare with this moisturiser from Dr. Jart+. While it's a little more on the expensive side of affordable, in comparison to luxury price tags, this feels more reasonable. Truly a salve that saturates far beneath the skin's surface, this thick cream is made from hydrating ceramides—an ingredient that helps retain moisture and creates a natural skin barrier.
Pros
- Soothes redness and irritation
Cons
- Contains essential oils that may irritate very sensitive skin
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
Grace's review: "I come back to this moisturiser every winter—there's nothing else quite like it. Thick and nourishing, it's like a winter duvet for dry skin, packed with nourishing ceramides. A real treat to use."
13. Nivea Creme
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, paraffin
If it's a super-rich and comforting texture you're after, Nivea's Creme is widely considered an affordable alternative with the same luxurious texture. It might not have the same luxury packaging, but it does carry similar nourishing benefits. Incredibly gentle and seriously hydrating, it's one of the best skincare products for mature skin.
Pros
- Highly affordable and widely available
Cons
- Thick and heavy texture may feel greasy to some users
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
"This basic-in-a-good-way moisturiser does exactly what it says on the tin, nourishing skin with its rich texture. I personally find it too heavy to use daily on my acne-prone skin, but as a one-off overnight boost for dry skin in the winter, it's perfect."
14. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Key Ingredients: Ascorbic acid, squalane
Given that experts recommend using vitamin C as part of your morning routine to maximise the antioxidising effects, this affordable moisturiser from The Ordinary is a great multitasking option and even comes in for under the price of an average Pret lunch. How’s that for brightening your day?
Pros
- High concentration of Vitamin C for brightening and anti-aging
Cons
- Gritty texture that some users find unpleasant
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
"Vitamin C is the ultimate antioxidant for brightening and protecting from pollution. This The Ordinary cream has a lovely light gel texture and is formulated without pore-clogging oils, making it great for oily skin types."
15. Pixi Rose Ceramide Cream
Key Ingredients: Rose, glycerin, ceramides
Rose is a great ingredient for sensitive or dry skin, and PIXI's beloved ceramide-based cream is divine. In fact, it's considered to be one of the most popular affordable moisturisers amongst celebrity facialists and makeup artists, thanks to its instantly plumping, glow-boosting finish.
Pros
- Rich, nourishing texture that absorbs well
Cons
- Tube opening may dispense more product than needed
16. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, zinc
For an affordable moisturiser that suits skin prone to breakouts and congestion, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo+ is also an iconic lightweight lotion for acne. In fact, this stuff is so good that dermatologists often recommend it for patients prone to aggressive breakouts.
Pros
- Targets acne and helps reduce blemishes
Cons
- May cause dryness or irritation in some users
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
"I relied on this lightweight moisturiser when my teen acne was at its worst. Not only does it help to prevent and treat breakouts, but because it has such a light texture it doesn't feel heavy or clog pores."
17. Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5%
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid isn't an expensive skincare ingredient, so you shouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg to get cushiony-soft, hydrated skin. See, for example, Naturium's affordable moisturiser, which floods skin with moisture and has a similar lightweight gel texture.
Pros
- Contains 5% niacinamide to help regulate oil production
Cons
- May cause irritation for those sensitive to niacinamide
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
"Despite it being an active ingredient, most, if not every, skincare routine can benefit from using a form of hyaluronic acid, so it's something I recommend to almost everyone. This lightweight cream delivers a plumping glow without any greasiness, and is boosted with niacinamide to address congestion and uneven skin tone.
18. No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ginseng, vitamin C
If you're after a more affordable, non-irritating way to use vitamin C, avoid serums and opt for a cream instead. Thanks to its lightweight but powerful antioxidant abilities, this affordable option also boosts hydration and glow and won't irritate as much as stronger vitamin C serums might.
Pros
- Affordable and accessible
Cons
- Some users report skin irritation or breakouts
19. The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, shea butter
If you are in want of a more affordable moisturiser that is still equally nourishing, this is perfect for strengthening the skin barrier. Try this accessible option and be sure to thank me later.
Pros
- Contains bio-active ceramides for skin barrier support
Cons
- May not provide sufficient moisture for very dry skin
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
Grace's review: "I recommend this moisturiser to almost all of my clients. It's a great daytime moisturiser for dry skin and a great nighttime moisturiser for normal or more oily skin. Literally all skin types will benefit from it, including acne-prone complexions. Because it's so affordable, I find people are generous with application, so they quickly see the benefits."
20. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, soy, shea butter
This cream hydrator is another backstage beauty favourite, beloved by models and makeup artists for its ability to soothe, calm, hydrate, and prep skin. It's a beloved French pharmacy skincare product and budget beauty essential, too.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Contains mineral oil, which some users prefer to avoid
21. Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser
Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, oat, feverfew
Oat-derived ingredients also have impressive benefits for sensitive skin conditions. The countless positive reviews for this affordable moisturiser prove just how effective it is when it comes to soothing irritation, as well.
Pros
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Cons
- May not provide enough moisture for very dry skin
Tested by Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician
"Even the most sensitive of skin types can tolerate this moisturiser. It's light, soothing, and cooling thanks to its gel textured-formula, and the addition of oat helps to calm and nourish stressed skin."
22. Bubble Skincare Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturiser Creme
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, avocado oil, vitamin E
This affordable moisturiser is great for skin that sits slightly on the oily or combination side of the spectrum. It's lightweight in texture but still packs a punch of moisture thanks to glycerin, aloe, avocado oil, and shea butter.
Pros
- Affordable and accessible
Cons
- May not provide sufficient moisture for very dry skin
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.