The 11 Best Cheap Moisturisers Grazia’s Beauty Team Love (And Actually Use)

If you're a skincare fanatic, chances are you will know - and love - The Ordinary's moisturiser. The simple, no-frills formula contains Natural Moisturising Factors, a chemical protective coat naturally found in the skin, aimed at maintaining the skin's hydration. NMFs are made up of amino acids, fatty acids, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which when supplemented offer immediate and long-lasting hydration.

Annie Vischer, beauty director, says: 'This is my go-to when I'm flying short haul, particularly when I'm headed somewhere hot. Packed with who of my favourite skincare ingredients - glycerine and hyaluronic acid - this humble moisturiser offers the sort of surface hydration that rivals its high-end counterparts. These ingredients are humectants and hold water onto your skin for hours at a time. My skin can feel tight and dry pretty easily, particularly after cleansing, and this lightweight moisture makes it feel comfortable again. The 30ml version takes up minimal space in those plastic bags at airport security too.'

The pop star of cheap moisturisers, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré has amassed quite the celebrity following. Gwyneth Paltrow has previously named the product a 'miracle moisturiser', while Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney called it 'one of the only creams that helps keep [her] skin and make-up in place'. And they're totally right. The multipurpose product can be used as a primer, moisturiser and make-up remover, providing the skin with nutrients and hydration. It leaves skin feeling plump, smooth and soft, eliminating any signs of dryness and discomfort.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'When it comes to beauty heroes, this one is up there for me – nothing leaves my skin feeling quite so plumped up and smooth. Brimming with essential fatty acids, just a small amount soothes and calms like no other – it’s so gentle it’s even recommended for babies.'

Ruby Barry, fashion + beauty commerce writer, adds: 'All the celebs are obsessed, and I didn't believe the hype until I tried it myself but this stuff is truly gold dust. Super-duper nourishing, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser leaves my skin feeling so plump. Bonus points for being the best primer for makeup to lay on top of - yes, even better then marketed primers. Embryolisse is a product of many talents.'

The Weleda Skin Food is another beauty hall of fame product we can't get enough of. Filled to the brim with botanical extracts including calendula, chamomile, squalane and sun-flower oil, this deeply nourishing cream helps restore the skin's barrier, and leaves your face feeling hydrated and plump.

Georgia Scott, beauty commerce writer, says: 'We all know and love the OG Weleda Skin Food for getting that celebrity-obsessed GLOW but when the Nourishing Day Cream was released - it was love at first sight. The dreamy, rich texture coats my skin when it's feeling dry and craving lots of moisture and leaves a radiant glow that looks perfect under make-up. I'm obsessed.'

CeraVe is the brand constantly reminding us that effective skincare does not need to be pricey. The Facial Moisturising Lotion promises to hydrate your skin in your sleep - the true definition of beauty sleep. It's lightweight in texture but rich in hydration, and the dermatologist-developed formula harnesses skin-identical ceramides to hydrate, nourish and protect your barrier. The cherry on top is the added SPF30, to keep those harmful UV rays at bay as you go about your day.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I always pick up a tube of this from Boots at the airport before I fly. It's a trustworthy go-to that I know I can rely on to hydrate, replenish and keep my skin barrier in check. The formula cocktails together ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid - an ingredient that can hold on to up to 1000 times its weight in water. Together they keep my skin resilient and hydrated, no matter how long my flight is and no matter the weather conditions at my destination.'

Rebecca Holman, adds: 'I love Cerave's PM facial moisturising lotion - it's fuss free and super reliable. I get really dry skin and find this packs a real punch so I use it during the daytime too with a separate SPF over the top and it works brilliantly, even after a day in an air-conditioned office.'

If you're looking for an affordable moisturiser for dry skin, look no further than Avène's Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream Moisturiser. Harnessing the power of thermal spring water, and Cohederm™, the brand's own patented hydration hero, this formula smooths, restores and rejuvenates dry skin, making it ideal for the coming winter months.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'When the onset of cold weather prompts me to update my moisturiser, I swap out my lighter gel-textured go-to for this. It's rich, creamy and a must-try for any one with dry, sensitive skin. It's loaded with the brand's patented Cohederm ingredient - a hydrator that the brand claim works even more efficiently than the famed hyaluronic acid. There's shea butter in there too, a natural nourisher. Nothing soothes my skin quite like it.'

If you haven't heard, Super Facialist is one of our go-to brands for all things affordable skincare - our two favourite words. The Hydration Radiance Day Cream tackles dull, lacklustre complexions by drenching your skin in moisture, resulting in a healthy, luminous glow. The secret ingredients? Cucumber oil and marshmallow extract, working together to soothe and firm your skin.

Annie Vischer, beauty director, says: 'I'm a sucker for anything rose related and I remember quickly making a play for this when it landed on my desk back in my beauty assistant days. My skin was still adapting to the drying effects of office air con and crying out for something that could hydrate it without causing it to break out, which it seemed to do if I used anything too rich. Made with marshmallow extract, cucumber oil and rose extract, this cream manages to calm, soothe and hydrate my skin without overwhelming it - it gives me a real glow-boost without leaving a greasy residue. I keep a tube of this in my bathroom cabinet always.'

One you can even pick up from your local Sainsbury's, Nivea's soft moisturising cream is as effective as it is affordable. Infused with Vitamin E and Jojoba oil, this light, unpretentious formula is quickly absorbed into the skin and delivers immediate hydration. It can be used on your face, hands and body, saving you previous space in your make-up bag too.

Caitlin Casey, senior beauty + fashion commerce writer, says: 'Lets be real, some of us just want an affordable moisturiser that does the everyday job without flaring our skin or giving us spots. This Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream is always my go-to because it's thick enough to feel covered but thin enough to layer with my everyday serums, SPFs and toners. I absolutely love the quick-absorption straight into my skin, making it perfect for rushing before work or popping make-up over the top. Plus, at £2 it's a total steal. Win-win.'

This refreshing non-greasy cream is ideal for oily, blemish-prone skin, thanks to its non-comedogenic ingredients that don't clog or block pores. Infused with glycerin and panthenol, the formula soothes your skin, leaving it ultra soft and plump. It doubles as a great primer to wear under your make-up, and the SPF30 will provide defence against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Emma Richardson, beauty + fashion commerce writer, says: 'As someone with spot prone skin, finding a moisturiser that A) doesn't break me out and B) won't break the bank is a TASK. Enter Purifide's Daily Moisturiser - a moisturiser specifically formulated for sensitive and spot prone skin. It's even SPF 30, which is perfect for a pale girl such as myself! 10/10.'

If you love a lightweight moisturiser that packs all the nourishment you need with clever ingredients without the heavy feeling of traditional occlusive creams, look to this. It contains tri-ceramide complexes and key actives like niacinamide and green tea to soothe and protect while providing long-lasting hydration.

Verity Clark, acting beauty director, says, 'This is one of my favourite skincare brands, regardless of price. Skin barrier care is the aim of the game with Byoma and all the products are dedicated to making sure nourishing ingredients are used to help look after a compromised skin barrier. I adore the gel-like texture of this lightweight moisturiser; it sinks into skin and leaves it feeling immediately hydrated and looking dewy. Tick, tick. The only downside is that I’m prone to drier skin come winter and I find that this alone isn’t rich enough, so I have to layer it with something else.'

This is by far the most interesting moisturiser we tested. Completely transparent in colour, it looks like literal water and acts as such by quickly quenching the skin with hydration. The gel serum-like texture is loaded with squalane, prickly pear and cactus water to deliver non-greasy, fast-absorbing and breathable nourishment.

Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says, 'I love how innovative this looks and feels. It cooled and soothed my skin on application and worked effortlessly to plump my dull areas with some much needed hydration. Its bouncy gel-like texture only adds to the experience and you only needed a little bit to feel like you've just dunked your head in water. Refreshing indeed.'

Simple's Repairing Rich Cream Face Moisturiser has gone viral on TikTok of late - and for good reason. Think clever, gold-standard ingredients that improve skin health in the long run.

Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: ‘If a bolstered skin barrier is your MO then the Simple Repairing Rich Cream could be worth paying attention to. The research says we should expect visibly healthier skin from the 1st use and an increase in skin’s hydration by up to 96%. But does it really work? In my opinion, it's a resounding yes. The texture is thick and luxurious without feeling tacky while 22% Ceramide Boosters work to strengthen and soothe - ideal if you've overdone it with the exfoliating pads of late -guilty!'