15 Drugstore Skincare Favorites That Shine in Cold Weather
When winter’s chill sets in, our skin often requires a bit more attention to keep it looking and feeling its best. Dry air, cold winds, and indoor heat can quickly lead to skin that feels tight, rough, or flaky. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to find skincare that works wonders in these colder months. Many drugstore brands offer products packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients to help your skin stay moisturized and protected. From cleansers to moisturizers, there’s a range of affordable options that make a real difference in the winter. These products are designed to lock in moisture and help maintain a healthy, glowing complexion throughout the season.
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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream -$14.99
This richly textured cream uses ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum and dimethicone to restore and maintain skin’s protective barrier. That makes it particularly helpful during cold months when skin tends to lose moisture quickly. Frequent use can help skin feel softer and more comfortable even when exposed to dry indoor heat or cold wind.
Though thick, the cream absorbs relatively quickly and avoids greasiness, so it can be used on face and body. Many users apply it after showers to lock in moisture and prevent dry, itchy patches on arms, legs, elbows or knees when air is dry.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for Extra Dry Skin —$19.99
This gel‑cream brings together the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid with a lighter texture. It helps the skin draw and hold water, making it plumper and less prone to dryness even when air becomes cold or indoor heating reduces humidity. Because it’s lighter than typical creams, it’s more comfortable if you dislike heavy moisturizers.
It absorbs quickly and works as a good base under makeup or sunscreen. With regular use skin tends to stay hydrated longer, which helps avoid tightness or flaking that often appear in cooler weather.
Olay Regenerist Micro‑Sculpting Cream — $24.99
This moisturizer combines hydration with ingredients like peptides and niacinamide that support skin’s elasticity and texture. During cold seasons, it helps maintain moisture while addressing early signs of aging such as fine lines or uneven tone. With regular application skin may look smoother and firmer even when challenged by dryness.
Its texture balances richness and lightness so it hydrates without leaving a heavy film. That makes it suitable for both day and night use, and especially helpful for those who want hydration along with skin‑renewing benefits during harsh weather.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream — $12.97
This cream delivers deep nourishment using emollients and ceramides to counter roughness, flaking or cracking that tends to occur in cold months. It is especially good for areas prone to dryness such as hands, elbows, knees or feet. Many users find it brings immediate relief to tight or itchy skin when temperatures drop.
Its formula absorbs without greasiness despite being thick, which makes it practical for regular use on body or limbs. Frequent application helps skin retain softness and natural elasticity despite repeated exposure to cold or dry indoor air.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan –$14.00
This moisturizer uses natural moisturizing factors together with beta‑glucan to support skin barrier and keep skin hydrated without heavy oils. That makes it gentle enough for daily use even in sensitive or reactive skin. In cold weather it helps prevent tightness or flaking by locking moisture into skin surface.
Because it feels light and non‑greasy, it works well under richer creams or makeup. Over time skin can stay consistently softer and less prone to dryness or irritation when temperature drops.
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream- $13.99
Description: This moisturizer is designed for people with sensitive skin who need extra care during harsh, dry weather. It is free of common irritants like dyes, fragrances, and parabens, making it a gentle option for those prone to reactions. It helps soothe and hydrate skin without clogging pores, making it suitable for both face and body.
Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and smooth without feeling heavy. Many users prefer it as a daily moisturizer during cold months to help prevent tightness or irritation, especially when indoor heating or cold air causes dehydration.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer – $19.99
This moisturizer offers both immediate hydration and long-term barrier repair, which is essential during the colder months. It contains ceramides and prebiotic thermal water, which help to soothe and restore skin’s natural barrier while providing lasting moisture. Its lightweight texture is ideal for those who want hydration without any greasy residue.
The formula is designed for sensitive skin, making it a great option for anyone dealing with the discomfort that comes with winter dryness. Over time, it helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, keeping it resilient and well-hydrated throughout the day.
Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment – $14.99
Aquaphor is a multi-use ointment that excels at healing dry, cracked skin. Whether used on lips, hands, or body, it creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and promotes faster healing of dry patches. It’s especially effective during winter when skin is exposed to the elements, helping to restore comfort and prevent further irritation.
This ointment is thicker than many moisturizers, so a little goes a long way. Many people use it overnight to deeply hydrate skin, leaving it feeling smooth and soft by morning.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser- $14.97
This gentle cleanser is ideal for people who struggle with dry or sensitive skin during the winter months. It uses a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to clean the skin without stripping away its natural moisture. This ensures that skin stays hydrated and comfortable, even after washing away dirt and impurities.
The cream‑like consistency is non‑foaming, which helps maintain skin’s moisture balance. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a simple and effective cleanser that works well in the colder months without causing irritation or dryness.
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion – $15.97
Cetaphil’s daily hydrating lotion provides lightweight yet long-lasting hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid, which pulls moisture into the skin, making it an excellent choice for dry, winter skin. The formula is designed to replenish moisture without clogging pores or causing breakouts.
With regular use, this lotion helps skin stay soft and hydrated, even in harsh weather conditions. Its gentle formula is non-greasy, making it suitable for use on both face and body throughout the day.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer-$19.99
This brightening day moisturizer is an excellent choice for dull skin during the colder months. It combines vitamin C and glycolic acid to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots while providing necessary hydration. The formula also includes SPF protection, which is important even in winter to protect from UV exposure.
It’s great for people who want to add a little glow to their skin while keeping it moisturized. With regular use, you may notice skin becoming more radiant and even‑toned, even during the cold, dry season.
Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25 – $34.99
This moisturizer has a lightweight, whipped texture that hydrates without feeling heavy, making it perfect for colder weather when skin needs extra moisture. It includes broad-spectrum SPF 25, providing essential sun protection even in winter months. The formula is designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while keeping skin soft and nourished.
Its unique whip texture provides fast absorption, making it ideal for daytime use under makeup. This moisturizer leaves skin feeling refreshed without any greasy residue.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin –$11.99
Neutrogena’s oil-free moisturizer is an excellent option for people with sensitive skin who need lightweight hydration. It’s designed to moisturize without causing breakouts or irritation, making it suitable for those who experience dryness but have oily or acne-prone skin.
This moisturizer contains glycerin, which helps skin hold onto moisture while keeping it feeling soft and refreshed. It’s perfect for those who need to hydrate their skin without the added weight of a thick cream.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser -$9.99
This gentle, fragrance-free cleanser is ideal for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt and oil without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it a great choice for winter skincare routines. It’s free of common irritants, so it’s a safe option for individuals prone to eczema or other skin conditions.
Its smooth, creamy texture feels soothing on dry skin, leaving it feeling refreshed without any tightness. Regular use can help ensure skin stays clean yet hydrated, even when exposed to cold weather.
Olay Complete Lotion Moisturizer Sensitive SPF 30 -$13.99
This daily moisturizer offers hydration along with broad-spectrum protection from UV rays, making it a great all-in-one option during the colder months. It contains a blend of vitamins and antioxidants that help nourish the skin while keeping it moisturized. The SPF 30 helps to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays, which can still cause damage even in the winter months.
Its non-greasy formula is perfect for daily use, and it absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and hydrated. It’s suitable for those with normal to dry skin who need reliable hydration and sun protection all year long.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.