Are expensive face moisturizers worth it?

Author: Erika Beier  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Just because a product is expensive does not mean it's better or more effective than a different product option at a lower price point. In fact, plenty of drugstore brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay, and more are known for efficacious, dermatologist-developed formulas at an affordable price point.

Do I really need an expensive moisturizer?

No, it's not essential and no, of course not everyone can afford to spend such silly amounts on a non-essential, but a good moisturiser will make you feel comfortable in your skin all day. So, if you can afford it, that is as close as luxury comes to being essential.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive face cream?

Luxury skincare often contains high-quality, research-backed ingredients in higher concentrations. Think peptides, stabilized vitamin C, or rare botanical extracts. On the other hand, budget-friendly products might use more fillers or lower concentrations of active ingredients, making them less potent.

Should I use a rich moisturizer?

Rich moisturizers may be effective dry skin treatments, especially when they contain a few key ingredients that encourage emollient skin. It might be a good idea to supplement your skincare routine with a rich moisturizer if you struggle with dryness, flakiness, or redness.

Do face creams really make a difference?

Facial creams, such as moisturizers or treatments, can provide hydration, target specific skin concerns, and improve overall skin health with consistency (keyword). However, results may vary depending on individual factors like skin type and product formulation.

Are Expensive Facial Moisturizers Worth the Price?

Why do dermatologists say not to use moisturizer?

Another reason Dr Obagi is against moisturiser: He believes that if you use it daily over time, it can change your skin's natural balance of water, lipids, and proteins. The result? Your body will stop delivering the skin's normal, natural method of hydration from within.

What is the highest rated moisturizer for aging skin?

After extensive research, our top recommendation is the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. It's a rich emollient cream that contains ceramides, fatty acids and vitamin E to help increase hydration and elasticity.

What is #1 face moisturizer?

Our Top Picks. Best Overall Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer at Amazon $24. Best Budget Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid at Amazon $19.

Why is expensive skincare better?

“An expensive moisturizer will usually have a higher concentration of the 'good' ingredients,” Jaliman says. “They are usually safer for all skin types. Many times they won't contain added fragrances that can cause allergic reactions for some.”

Is CeraVe a rich moisturizer?

These two moisturizing formulas differ mainly in their texture. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream features a rich, yet non-greasy cream texture that makes it ideal for those with normal to dry skin on their face or body.

Is CeraVe as good as La Mer?

La Mer Moisturizing Cream is also pricey, costing $380 at Sephora for a 60ml pot. Instead, Gao recommended CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which she said works just as well. Shoppers can grab this product at Walmart for under $15.

What is the best face moisturizer?

Some of the best brands include:
  • CeraVe: Known for their gentle, dermatologist recommended moisturizers.
  • La Roche-Posay: Offers a wide range of affordable skincare products, including non-comedogenic moisturizers.
  • Kiehl's: Known for their effective, high end skincare products.

What beauty products should you splurge on?

Splurge or save? These are the beauty products worth spending (or saving) on, according to experts
  • Splurge on: Moisturizer.
  • Save on: Eye Cream.
  • Splurge on: Antioxidant Serums.
  • Save on: Hydrating Serums.
  • Splurge on: Eye Pencils.
  • Save on: Eyeshadow.
  • Splurge on: Lipstick.
  • Save on: Lip Gloss.

Does it really matter what Moisturiser you use?

However, moisturizers are not a one-size-fits-all skincare essential—the ideal face moisturizer for your skin can vary depending on your skin type. Ahead, learn how to select a facial moisturizer for your skin type that addresses common skin concerns and helps maintain your skin's natural moisture barrier.

Is oil of Olay as good as expensive brands?

Yes. Scientists at the Good Housekeeping Institute collected more than 10,000 hydration measurements and found: At the three-hour mark, Olay moisturized 400% better than a cream nearly 18 times its price and beat all other products tested. Olay increased moisture by 50% on average over a 24 hour period.

Do any face creams really reduce wrinkles?

Anti-wrinkle serums and creams may make tiny wrinkles less noticeable. Your results may depend on how often you use a product, the type and amount of active ingredient in it, and the type of wrinkles you want to treat.

What brand do dermatologists recommend?

Dermatologists recommend Cerave highly as its formulas do just what they say on the bottle, with no frills or confusing jargon to understand. A blend of fatty acids and ceramides is found in all of its formulas, helping to nurture, strengthen and protect your skin for next-level results.

Do you really need so many skin care products?

Many individuals fall into the trap of using a multitude of skincare products, thinking they're doing their skin a favor. However, this can actually have a detrimental effect. Overloading your skin with too many ingredients can lead to inflammation and irritation.

Is it worth spending money on skincare?

Emma's opinion is that “there is not a good correlation between price and quality of your skincare”. Keep it simple and stay within your budget, unless beauty products are what you like to splurge on.

What moisturizer do dermatologists recommend?

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

When it comes to drugstore buys, this moisturizer is as good as it gets—and one that three different dermatologists recommended. It's lightweight and perfect for daily wear year-round, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York.

Do facial moisturizers really work?

Moisturizers have been shown to improve these conditions through restoration of the integrity of the stratum corneum, acting as a barrier to water loss and replacement of skin lipids and other compounds. Also, moisturizers are commonly used to reduce fine lines and make skin appear smooth and soft.

What is the number one moisturizer for aging skin?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185.
  • Best Serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $128.
  • Best for Elasticity: Trinny London Bounce Back Moisturizer, $70.
  • Best Retinol: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Night Face Cream, $178.

Is CeraVe good for 70 year old skin?

Are CeraVe products suitable for mature skin? CeraVe offers a range of anti-aging skincare products to support the needs of mature skin. Our gentle, yet effective anti-aging products are fragrance-free and offer a variety of benefits for common aging concerns.

What do dermatologists recommend for mature skin care?

Look for toners that contain vitamins A, C, and/or E as well as salicylic acid, moisturizers, and hyaluronic acid. There are a variety of serums, oils, and creams that can be used for different issues and types of skin. Anti-aging serums can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of age.

Is vaseline a good face moisturizer?

Vaseline is safe for most people to apply to their face as a moisturizer. But, it may also increase the risk of skin irritation and acne in those prone to these symptoms. Vaseline is a common brand name for petroleum jelly. It is an inexpensive skin care product that is available in most drugstores.

Previous article
How long does it take to see results from a facial massage?
Next article
What is a vellus?