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8 of the best cheap face moisturisers for every skin type

Consider us sold.

For most of us, moisturising our face daily is a non-negotiable and many skincare experts would agree. But you don’t have to splash the cash to get the job done. There are bargain drugstore moisturisers for every skin type and complaint whether it be dry, damaged or desperate for some TLC. Here are eight of the best cheap moisturisers in Australia. 

1. NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Gel

Neutrogena hydro boost water gel
(Credit: Neutrogena)

This light-weight moisturiser packs a seriously juicy punch thanks to ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and olive extracts. Its innovative formula continuously releases moisture over a 24 hour period so you’ll have long lasting hydration and super soft skin. 

Best for: Dry skin

Price: $24.99

Reviewer verdict: “This gel is pretty freaking great! Velvety texture, goes on creamy absorbs up just like gel. Fixes dry skin immediately. Could wear before bed or first thing in the morning or underneath makeup – would be perfect if you have oily skin. I highly rate this, love Neutrogena skin care.”

2. NIVEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Energising Day Care SPF15 

Nivea Q10 plus anti-wrinkle
Nivea

NIVEA’s Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Energising Day Care formula combats the signs of ageing on two fronts: by supporting the skin’s own Q10 and Creatine to fight fine lines, and offering UVA protection against sun-induced wrinkles with its SPF15 formula. 

Best for: Anti-ageing

Price: $19.99

Reviewer verdict: “I bought this magic cream a few weeks ago, and cannot stop using it. It works perfectly on my face either wearing it alone or using as a make-up product. I highly recommend it to my friends.”

3. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion

Aveeno daily moisturising lotion
(Credit: Aveeno)

Aveeno’s Daily Moisturising Lotion is a cult-fave product amongst dry and sensitive skin types, offering relief and protection from scaly and chapped skin. Its formula is noncomedogenic, non-greasy, and free from fragrance. 

Best for: Sensitive skin, dry skin, normal skin

Price: $9.99

Reviewer verdict: “I have very sensitive skin and have been using Aveeno for over 10 years (when it first came out) and my skin has improved so much! it doesn’t irritate my skin at all, rather it leaves it smooth and comfortable to be in!”

4. Sukin Facial Moisturiser

Sukin facial moisturiser
(Credit: Sukin)

This natural moisturiser does not contain sulphates, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, triethanolamine, mineral oils, or parabens. Plus, it smells downright delicious. The lightweight formula (featuring aloe vera, rosehip, jojoba and avocado oil) absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. 

Best for: Normal skin

Price: $9.99

Reviewer verdict: “Everything i want in a moisturiser! Keeps skin well hydrated but not oily which I find hard to find with my combo skin. Great under makeup and makes my skin feel soft. No harsh chemicals either so I always feel good about putting it on my face.”

5. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream

Cetaphil moisturising cream
(Credit: Cetaphil)

Need a one stop shop when it comes to moisturising? Cetpahil’s face and body moisturising cream is a winner. The dermatologist-approved formula offers long-lasting hydration that’s fragrance free and won’t clog your pores.

Best for: Dry, sensitive skin. 

Price: $19.99

Reviewer verdict: “Used this on my facial psoriasis and it has been the best moisturiser I’ve ever used. No stinging or burning and it cools down and soothes the driest areas. I’ve used it during the day heaps as it doesn’t look greasy like my other psoriasis creams. Not much of a fragrance either. Using a fair amount every day I still haven’t run out in over a year – 10/10 would recommend, I wouldn’t have survived the disease without this.”

6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

La-Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat
(Credit: La Roche-Posay)

Face moisturisers can be a minefield for people with oily skin, but La Roche Posay’s range helps limit the appearance of pores, reduce shine and mattify skin. While it’s on the pricier end of drugstore moisturisers, reviewers say it’s worth every cent when it comes reducing oil slick. 

Best for: Oily skin, combination skin

Price: $31.99

Reviewer verdict: “This moisturiser does exactly what it says: anti-brilliance and anti-pores dilates on my oily skin. I am very pleased to see how my skin looks at the end of the day, and even after washing my face, I can see the pores are tightened and my skin looks smoother. Because it reduces excess oil, it also prevents cystic acne on my skin. Really love this product.”

7. Antipodes Divine Face Oil Organic Avocado Oil & Rosehip

Antipodes divine face oil
(Credit: Antipodes)

This certified-organic, vegan face oil is jam packed with antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids, botanicals and collagen-boosting properties to reduce the signs of ageing. The best part? It will leave your skin moisturised by not greasy.

Best for: Anti-ageing, dry skin, combination skin

Price: $28.99

Reviewer verdict: “I have searched high and low for a face oil that keeps my skin moisturised and not oily, nourished and doesn’t break me out. This is my Holy Grail. Up to my first 3 months of trying this and my complexion has improved so much. Even noticed my fine lines diminished by heaps. A little goes a long way. It smells nice and absorbs into the skin beautifully. Antipodes NEVER stop making this product. It’s the BEST!”

8. Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant

Trilogy

This award-winning face oil has a huge fandom, which includes the likes of Kate Middleton. It’s certified organic and free from added preservatives, colours and fragrances, so it makes a great daily moisturiser for sensitive skin types. It’s also clinically proven to improve skin moisture and smoothness, and is said to minimise the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles. Last but certainly not least, it absorbs easily.

Best for: Normal skin, combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, anti-ageing

Price: $35.95

Reviewer verdict: “I use this oil daily and it really helps to keep my skin looking glowy and healthy. Especially good during the winter months also helping to keep my dehydrated skin supple.”

This article first appears in Women’s Health

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