Come wintertime, my skin basically turns into the Sahara desert—parched and in need of some serious hydration. If that sounds like you too, you’re likely familiar with the struggle of flaky, uncomfortable dry patches that can only be banished with a good, hydrating moisturizer for dry skin. But if you are still searching for a fix, you are in luck. The e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Daily Hydration Moisturizer is an effective (and affordable!) drugstore moisturizer that’s been a game-changer.
As a longtime user of drugstore beauty products, I love the e.l.f. brand for their affordable, always-reliable makeup (I swear by their Ultra Precise Brow Pencil and Power Grip Primer!). But I’d never tried any of the products in their skincare line until recently. After seeing that the moisturizer from the brand’s “Holy Hydration!” line not only boasts over 12,000 ratings on Amazon but is also only $9, I decided to bite the bullet and try out the popular pick myself.
In just a few short months it’s become a must-have staple in my skincare routine for dry skin—here’s why.
How I tested
I used the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Daily Hydration Moisturizer on my face after cleansing and applying my other skincare products, both in the morning and at night for three months consistently. For application, I made sure to follow the brand’s instructions to pump out a small amount and massage over the face and neck until it absorbed into the skin.
The formula
Ideal for daily use and for all skin types, the popular moisturizer boasts a lightweight, creamy formula that’s infused with vitamins and antioxidants to hydrate and nourish your skin, resulting in a naturally radiant and smooth complexion. It’s packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients including hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and grapeseed oil.
Hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, both powerful humectants (substances that draw and attract water into the skin), help lock in moisture to deeply hydrate skin. Aloe vera helps to soothe and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, while shea butter nourishes skin for a smooth finish. Additionally, vitamin E in the formula softens the skin and grapeseed oil helps even out skin tone for a more even complexion.
What I liked
The first thing I noticed was the consistency. It’s silky and creamy yet also lightweight—the perfect middle ground between being too thin and runny and too thick and heavy. And yet, despite having a lightweight texture, it still feels incredibly hydrating. Usually, I opt for a thicker, richer face cream in the winter for extra hydration, but sometimes it ends up feeling too heavy and suffocating on my skin. On the contrary, this e.l.f. moisturizer feels light and absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving behind any greasy, sticky, or heavy residue at all—and yet my face still feels properly moisturized each time I applied it. In fact, I think this moisturizer would also be great for the warmer months, too—it’s a great year-round face cream, really.
Since using this moisturizer during this winter season, though, I’ve noticed that my usually-dry, flaky skin has felt more hydrated, soft, and smooth. When applied, it feels like the formula instantly quenches any dryness on my skin—like my skin just drinks it up—and then leaves it feeling more plump and moisturized in the aftermath. “Holy hydration,” indeed!
Another thing I love about this moisturizer: the packaging. The regular size (2.53 fl oz) of this product comes with a super-convenient pump dispenser, which is honestly such a game-changer when it comes to easily dispensing the right amount of product. I found that just two or three pumps was perfect for applying to my face and neck each time—no more having to scoop out the cream out of a small jar with my fingers and making a whole mess!
Not to mention, this moisturizer smells so nice, too—it has a light and fresh scent that’s subtle and not too overpowering (but if you’re looking for a fragrance-free option, e.l.f. offers the Holy Hydration! Face Cream). And the final cherry on top? The pick is super affordable—meaning I can stock up on this moisturizer for the winter season (and all year!) without having to break the bank.
The bottom line
I’m all for splurging on a must-have, luxury skincare pick from time to time… But for daily use, sometimes an affordable drugstore pick is all you really need. At $9, I can’t believe how well this moisturizer hydrates and soothes my skin. It feels amazing. Plus, I love how well its silky lightweight formula absorbs into my skin without feeling greasy or heavy.
All that to say: Consider me sold on the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Daily Hydration Moisturizer I’ll definitely be trying the rest of the products in the Holy Hydration! line next. Shop all of them below.
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Face Cream
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Eye Cream
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops
e.l.f. SKIN Hydrated Ever After Skincare Mini Kit
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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