Alright, folks, let’s talk moisturizers! They’re like the Avengers of skincare, but not all of them are superheroes. Nope, some are more like sidekicks that just can’t keep up with your skin’s needs. When it comes to choosing the best moisturizer, there’s a few key things you need to keep in mind. It’s like finding the perfect partner for your skin type, and trust me, Dry skin? Oily skin? Combination skin? They all have their unique needs.
Picture this: you’re standing in front of a shelf filled with moisturizers, and they all claim to be the best. But hold up, don’t just grab any old moisturizer and hope for the best. Oh no, my friend, you need to find the one that suits your skin type.
🌻Look for the heavy hitters like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and ceramides. They’re the MVPs of hydration, and your skin will thank you for it. Avoid essential oils, they can cause irritation and make your skin throw a tantrum. Not worth it, my friend. Stay away from those troublesome ingredients like artificial fragrance that will only lead to redness, irritation, and a whole lot of regret. Last but not least, grab your magnifying glass and check that ingredient list. Don’t be fooled by clever marketing tricks. If you see a bunch of mumbo jumbo you can’t pronounce, stay away. Stick to the ones with ingredients you recognize and trust.
Sometimes, the best moisturizers are hiding in the aisles of your local drugstore, waiting to be discovered. Here is a list of budget friendly moisturisers that are trusted by dermatologists for long.
CETAPHIL MOISTURISING LOTION
As someone with sensitive skin, the fact that it is fragrance-free and dermatologist recommended instantly won me over. Its lightweight formula feels gentle and absorbs quickly, providing instant hydration without leaving a greasy residue. A little goes a long way, making it incredibly cost-effective. I have experienced no breakouts or skin irritations since using this lotion, and it effectively soothes dry skin and irritations. The versatility of being able to use it on both my face and body simplifies my routine. I couldn’t find any cons with this lotion, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, fragrance-free, and budget-friendly moisturizing lotion.
APIFIL LOTION
I have personally found the Apifil lotion to be quite thick in consistency. Despite its thickness, I’ve discovered that using just half a pea size amount is sufficient and works well. Surprisingly, it feels incredibly healing on my skin, especially when it’s dry, sore and peeling from using retinol. This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory topical application effectively reduces inflammation and restores the proper function of the skin barrier.
The only downside is that it is not fungal acne safe, which is a shame. While I can’t confirm if it is fragrance-free since it is not mentioned anywhere but it does contain orange oil and has a mild scent to it. Personally, I don’t mind the scent, since it doesn’t linger for too long. Overall, Apifil is an affordable moisturizer that contains ceramides and provides substantial hydration, making it a great option for addressing dry skin concerns.
ACMIST MOISTURIZER
I must say, Brinton Acmist gel moisturizer has truly impressed me with its lightweight and gel-like texture. When I first tried it, I was immediately drawn to its white colour and how effortlessly it glided onto my skin. What amazed me the most was how quickly it absorbed, leaving no greasy or sticky residue behind. Throughout the day, my skin remained perfectly hydrated, and I didn’t experience the excessive sweating or dullness that I usually do with other moisturizers. In fact, the gel formula provided a lovely matte finish, especially during the rainy and winter seasons. I couldn’t help but notice how soft and supple my skin felt after using it. Brinton Acmist has definitely earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine.
MOIMAX OC OIL CONTROL MOISTURIZER
If you’re looking for a decent gel moisturizer that doesn’t cause breakouts and provides some hydration, this one is worth considering. If you don’t have dry patches, you can rely solely on this moisturizer as it provides sufficient hydration. The Moimax OC Oil Control Moisturizer has a gel consistency that may feel sticky for a few minutes after application, but it eventually sinks into the skin. It is suitable for the summer season, However, in the winter, it may not provide enough hydration. Additionally, it controls oil in a beneficial way and spreads on the skin like a protective layer. I appreciate that it is fungal acne-safe and contains zinc PCA.
EMOLENE CREAM
From my personal experience, Emolene cream has proven to be an excellent moisturizer for my dry skin. One of its standout features is its lightweight and watery consistency, which allows it to effortlessly absorb into the skin. This quick absorption means I don’t have to wait long for it to dry or worry about any sticky or oily residue.
After applying Emolene cream, my skin feels instantly hydrated and nourished. It leaves a soft and supple texture, which is a noticeable improvement from the dryness and flakiness I used to experience. I appreciate that it is non-comedogenic, as it doesn’t clog my pores or lead to any skin irritations. Being fragrance-free is another benefit of Emolene cream, especially for those with sensitive skin like mine. I don’t have to worry about any potential reactions or sensitivities caused by added fragrances.
One major drawback is that Emolene has comedogenic components and silicones in it.
SEBAMED CLEAR FACE GEL
Sebamed Clear Face Gel has been a great addition to my skincare routine, especially considering the humid climate and my oily skin type. It is incredibly lightweight and doesn’t clog my pores or cause breakouts. While it may not be the most moisturizing, it still provides a decent level of hydration for my skin.
It’s worth noting that some people might find it drying because it lacks emollients, but that’s not an issue for me. I simply layer it with another moisturizer or emollient to ensure my skin stays adequately moisturized. For individuals with dry skin, I would recommend pairing it with a heavier moisturizer like Cetaphil DAM for better results
IPCA ACNE-OC ADVANCED OIL CONTROL MOISTURIZER
I had a great experience with IPCA Moisturizer. The cream-like consistency was easy to spread and absorbed quickly, leaving a smooth and lightly cooling sensation on my skin. So It is good for summer season. One standout feature of this moisturizer was its ability to enhance the absorption of my niacinamide serum when applied together. It also allowed me to easily apply a thicker layer on days when I needed more hydration without feeling greasy or heavy. In terms of hydration, it ranked in the top 5 among the moisturizers I’ve tried. After application, my skin appeared hydrated, supple, and matte.
Unfortunately, I discovered that IPCA Acne-OC has been discontinued, as mentioned on Netmeds, and it is not readily available in most places.
CIPLA EXCELA MOISTURIZER
I had a positive experience with Cipla Excela moisturizer. It has a serum-like thin consistency, which means it is lighter than traditional moisturizers, making it suitable for people with oily skin. It didn’t clog my pores or cause any skin irritations, and I didn’t experience any dryness while using it. It does take some time to absorb into my skin.
It is important to note that opinions on this moisturizer are so divided, so a patch test is recommended to ensure it suits your skin. Note that it does tend to pill sometimes and has a burning sensation on sensitive skin. So it is certainly not for everyone.
DR REDDY’S ACROFY ACNE LOTION
It contains 4% Niacinamide and is lightweight yet intensely moisturizing, perfect for oily skin. Despite its moisturizing properties, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue and instead provides a matte finish. After application, it leaves a slightly shiny finish, which personally doesn’t bother me. If you don’t have dry patches, you can rely solely on Acrofy for moisturization as it is sufficient on its own. One of its notable features is its ability to control oil in a positive way, creating a protective layer on the skin. It also contains zinc PCA, which further contributes to its effectiveness.
The moisturizer claims to regulate sebum production and provide hydration, and I found that it lived up to these claims. It didn’t cause any breakouts or greasiness, and it kept my skin well-hydrated throughout the day. Despite its unique texture, I appreciate its effectiveness in calming down acne and providing hydration.
Although it is on the expensive side, I found the performance and results to be worth the investment. Additionally, I experienced no stinging or irritation while using this moisturizer. Overall, I couldn’t find any flaws with Acrofy and would highly recommend it.
VENUSIA MAX CREAM
🏷️PRICE – 555rs | Sale – 335rs
As someone with dry, sensitive skin in winter season, I have found Venusia Max Intensive Moisturizing Cream to be incredibly beneficial. It not only provides deep moisturization but also nourishes my skin, leaving it soft and supple. The best part is that it doesn’t cause any breakouts or skin irritations. I love how versatile it is, as I can use it on both my face and body. Plus, it comes at a reasonable price, making it a budget-friendly option. However, it’s important to note that the cream contains fragrance and parabens, which may not be suitable for those with sensitivities. I always recommend checking the ingredients and considering personal preferences before choosing a skincare product.
BIODERMA CICABIO CREME
Bioderma Cicabio is a gentle and fragrance-free moisturizer that has worked wonders for my sensitive and dry skin. Its thicker consistency doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, leaving a velvety finish. The cream provides long-lasting hydration and instant relief for redness and itching. It promotes healing, fades scars, and evens out the skin tone. While it may be pricier, it’s worth the investment for its positive impact on the skin. However, it’s important to note that it focuses more on barrier repair than intense moisturization. Overall, I highly recommend Bioderma Cicabio for those with sensitive and dry skin.
BIODERMA ATODERM INTENSIVE BAUME
Based on my personal experience, Bioderma atoderm intensive baume has been a game-changer for my skin. The inclusion of glycerin in the formula effectively moisturizes my skin by drawing in moisture from the environment. The combination of mannitol and hyaluronic acid ensures deep hydration and improves the overall quality of my skin. I only need a small amount, about half a pea size, to cover my entire face. The balm provides instant relief for my dry and itchy skin, leaving it soft and supple. It also soothes itching and provides long-lasting hydration. I appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.
During the winter season, when my skin tends to be dry, this balm works wonders. It’s versatile enough to be used on both my face and body. While some users have mentioned that the product doesn’t fully absorb into the skin, I haven’t found it to be a major issue. Although it comes at a slightly higher price point, I believe it’s worth every penny. At times, the balm may feel a bit heavy on the skin, but overall, the benefits it provides outweigh this minor drawback.
SEBAMED MOISTURIZER
The price for the 50ml product is 559rs.
In my personal experience, Sebamed Moisturising Cream has been a reliable choice for keeping my skin hydrated. It comes in convenient sizes of 50ml and 100ml, allowing me to choose based on my needs. The cream has a lightweight texture that spreads easily and gets absorbed quickly into my skin. I appreciate that it contains glycerine and Vitamin E, which provide excellent moisturizing properties.
After applying the cream, my skin feels noticeably softer and suppler. I also like that it is non-comedogenic, as it doesn’t clog my pores or cause any breakouts or irritations.However, one aspect to consider is that the moisturizing cream does contain artificial fragrance. While it doesn’t bother me personally, individuals with fragrance sensitivities may need to approach it with caution. Overall, Sebamed Moisturising Cream has been effective in providing hydration for my skin, and I appreciate its lightweight formula.
PHYSIOGEL CALMING RELIEF MOISTURISER
The price for the 100gm product is 555rs.
In my personal experience, Physiogel AI Calming Relief Cream has been a standout moisturizer for my sensitive skin. One of its major advantages is its fragrance-free formulation, which is ideal for those with fragrance sensitivities. The cream is packed with beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalene, chamomile, cocoa butter, and aloe vera, providing comprehensive nourishment for my skin.
I love the creamy consistency of the cream, as it spreads easily and gets absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It effectively locks in moisture and prevents water loss from my skin, resulting in long-lasting hydration. With regular use, I have noticed that my skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and more supple.
One of the most impressive aspects of this cream is its ability to reduce redness and calm irritations in hypersensitive and allergic skin. It has helped alleviate the urge to scratch and has provided relief from discomfort.
BRINTON DOUX 24 HOUR MOISTURISER
From personal experience, I found that Brinton 24 Hour Doux lotion effectively hydrated and maintained the softness of my skin. Its hypoallergenic formula felt light and gentle during application, ensuring a comfortable experience. The lotion’s creamy consistency allowed it to spread easily and absorb quickly into my skin. I used to use this with the UV Doux sunscreen from the same brand
One of the standout benefits for me was its non-comedogenic nature, as it didn’t clog my pores or lead to acne breakouts. This made it a suitable choice for my acne-prone and sensitive skin. Additionally, the fragrance-free formula was a positive aspect, especially for someone like me who prefers products without added scents.
However, it’s important to note that while the lotion provided hydration, it may not be enough for extremely dry skin. Individuals with very dry skin might require a more emollient or occlusive moisturizer to address their specific needs.
HYDRANET CREAM
From personal experience, I have found several advantages to using Hydranet cream. Its oil-free formula helps to control excess oil without drying out my skin. The non-comedogenic nature of the cream has also been a positive aspect, as it doesn’t clog my pores or contribute to acne breakouts.
As someone with sensitive skin, I appreciate that Hydranet cream is hypoallergenic, as it minimizes the risk of allergic reactions and irritation. The creamy consistency of the cream makes it easy to apply and it absorbs well into my skin. I have noticed that a little product goes a long way, making the cream cost-effective and long-lasting. Another advantage of Hydranet cream is its ability to repair the skin barrier.
The moisturizing properties of Hydranet cream have been effective in hydrating my dry patches and improving the overall texture of my skin. After application, my skin feels noticeably soft and supple, indicating its effectiveness in addressing dryness.
CERASOFT IMF CREAM
I personally have had a great experience using Cerasoft cream. In my opinion, it is one of the best barrier repair creams for dry, atopic skin. It contains ceramides, pentavin, hyaluronic acid, and other beneficial ingredients that have made a noticeable difference in the condition of my skin. I would even compare it to the popular Bioderma and Avene in terms of effectiveness.
I do find that Cerasoft cream can be a bit heavy and greasy for morning use, especially during the summer. However, during the winter months, it has become one of my favorite go-to creams, along with Cetaphil lotion. Overall, it has become one of my holy grail products that I highly recommend.
AQUA OAT MOISTURISING LOTION
I have been using Aqua Oat Moisturizing Cream for a while now, and it has truly transformed my skin. Priced affordably, this cream is enriched with ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, glycerine, and shea butter, providing deep hydration and leaving my skin incredibly soft and supple. I love the dewy finish it gives my complexion, adding a natural glow. With the inclusion of ceramides and colloidal oat, it not only moisturizes but also acts as a mild exfoliator. What’s great is that it is compatible with other skincare actives like AHA, BHA, and retinol, making it easy to incorporate into my routine. The combination of colloidal oatmeal and ceramides soothes and calms irritated skin, making it a fantastic choice for those with dry and sensitive skin.
