Your wish has been granted!
Ever since I started writing about skincare products, back at the end of last year, it’s been the one thing you’ve been all been asking for consistently. Amidst all the praise – thank you so much for that! - and the critical feedback, you’ve all been wanting us to come up with a list of products that are truly effective and not expensive on the pocket.
And here I am with THAT list, just for you!
You May Also Like: Gel-Based Moisturisers For People With Oily Skin
We’ve put together moisturisers for every skin type, all of which are quite affordable too. Because who said quality only comes at an expensive price point?
The moisturisers in this list are all fabulous when it comes to giving your skin the right amount of moisture-filled nourishment along with a bunch of other good things, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, collagen, etc. Basically, everything that’s good for your skin barrier and enables skin recovery as well. Additionally, all of these only work towards slowing down signs of ageing, improving the way your skin looks and feels and also undoing environmental damage caused by dirt and pollutants. All you need to do is wash your face twice a day and apply a moisturiser - what more could you ask for, right?
Before we go further, a quick reminder: moisturising your skin is extremely important and you must not skip it. Every morning and night without fail wash your face and apply a good moisturiser, even if you’re not going to use any serum or toner. You should use those too but use a moisturiser for sure. And during the day, never step out without applying sunscreen!
You May Also Like: Here’s Why Vitamin C Needs To Be Part Of Your Summer Skincare Routine
So, here’s our curation of the best moisturisers in the market, for all different skin types. Take your pick basis what suits your skin and works for your budget.
Best Moisturisers for Dry Skin
Each of these are rich-enough in texture to provide your dry, parched skin with the perfect amount of moisture and nourishment. They’ve also got enough and more replenishers to strengthen your skin barrier and give your skin a lovely dose of vitality.
Esquire tip: Add a hydration-boosting serum to your routine for when your skin is feeling dry-er than usual. Anything that’s complementary to your moisturiser is always the right serum for you.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
₹399 (50 ml)

CeraVe Moisturising Cream
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Action Day Cream
₹1,679 (50 ml)

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Action Day Cream
It’s Skin Collagen Nutrition Cream
₹1,100 (50 ml)

It’s Skin Collagen Nutrition Cream
Dr Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Moisturizing Cream
₹499 (100 g)

Dr Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Moisturizing Cream
ClayCo. Tsubaki + Matcha Moisturiser with Vitamin C For Dry Skin
₹1,099 (50 ml)

ClayCo. Tsubaki + Matcha Moisturiser with Vitamin C For Dry Skin
Best Moisturisers for Oily Skin
The trouble with oily skin is that you can only use products that feel super light and observe almost instantly. Fortunately for you, all of these do exactly that. Being water/gel-based, these moisturisers have a super light texture and won’t feel your face feeling oily or leave your pores clogged.
You May Also Like: How Exfoliating My Skin Changed My Life
Esquire tip: If your skin is feeling extra oily, using a facial mist instead of a moisturiser might also help!
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Gel Moisturizer
₹1,450 (100 ml)

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Gel Moisturizer
Re’equil Oil Free Moisturiser
₹295 (100 ml)

Re’equil Oil Free Moisturiser
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
₹1,190 (50 g)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Olay Regenerist Collagen-Peptide Moisturiser
₹1,999 (100 g)

Olay Regenerist Collagen-Peptide Moisturiser
Pond’s Skin Institute Hydra Miracle Super Light Gel
₹545 (200 ml)

Pond’s Skin Institute Hydra Miracle Super Light Gel
Best Moisturisers for Combination Skin
These products are designed to target your tricky skin type – dry in some areas and oily in the others. These aren’t too thick in texture, nor too light. Just right to make your skin feel incredible and glow from within.
You May Also Like: Does Oil Gritting Help You Get Rid Of Blackheads?
Esquire tip: If your serum is on the heavier side, it’ll be best to stick to a lighter moisturiser and vice-versa!
Dot & Key 72 Hr Hydrating Gel Moisturizer + Probiotics
₹495 (60 ml)

Dot & Key 72 Hr Hydrating Gel Moisturizer + Probiotics
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream
₹1,780 (50 ml)

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream
Bioderma Atoderm Parent Cream
₹699 (100 ml)

Bioderma Atoderm Parent Cream
COSRX OIL-FREE Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
₹1,650 (100 ml)

COSRX OIL-FREE Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Daily Cream
₹1,299 (50 g)

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Daily Cream
You may also like: Best skincare routine for men in their 20s, 30s and 40s