As a skincare editor who has personally tested my fair share of moisturizers, two drugstore brands that stand out are Aveeno and La Roche-Posay. While both offer quality moisturizers at […]
As a skincare editor who has personally tested my fair share of moisturizers, two drugstore brands that stand out are Aveeno and La Roche-Posay. While both offer quality moisturizers at affordable prices, they do have some notable differences that may make one better suited for your individual skin type and concerns. Here’s an insider’s take on how these two popular brands compare.
Ingredients
Aveeno tends to use very gentle, skin-soothing ingredients like oatmeal and soy. Their formulas cater to sensitive skin that may be prone to irritation, dryness, or inflammation. La Roche-Posay also formulates products specifically for sensitive skin, but they use a wider array of ingredients like thermal spring water, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide. For some, La Roche-Posay’s formulas may be more nourishing and protective against environmental aggressors.
Effectiveness
In my experience testing them side-by-side, both brands offer effective moisturizers that hydrate and help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. However, because of the added nourishing ingredients, La Roche-Posay’s moisturizers often feel a bit richer upon application and leave my skin feeling softer for longer. That said, those with extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer the simpler formulas from Aveeno.
Texture
Aveeno moisturizers tend to have lightweight, gel-cream textures that feel cooling and refreshingly lightweight. La Roche-Posay offers a range of textures from lightweight gels and creams to richer balms depending on skin type. I tend to prefer the texture of La Roche-Posay’s oil-free gel-cream moisturizers since they hydrate without heaviness or greasiness.
Skin Type Suitability
While both brands cater to sensitive skin, Aveeno may be the better choice for those also struggling with persistent dryness, flakiness, irritation, and inflammation. The ultra-gentle formulas soothe as they hydrate. La Roche-Posay works well for sensitive skin, but products like their hydrating Toleriane line also suit combo and oily skin types since the formulas offer moisture without clogging pores or exacerbating breakouts.
Reviews
Both moisturizer lines have overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers and often rank highly on lists for the best drugstore skincare. Aveeno reviews tend to focus on the brand’s gentle, non-irritating formulas. La Roche-Posay reviews praise the brand’s effective and quenching moisturizers that also soothe and protect sensitive skin. The products seem to deliver great results across various skin types.
Price
As far as price goes, Aveeno and La Roche-Posay moisturizers cost about the same per ounce. They offer very reasonably priced options compared to department store skincare brands. La Roche-Posay may have some higher end formulas that cost more, but in general both are affordable go-to’s for quality drugstore skincare.
Overall, I’d recommend Aveeno for those with extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin since their formulas take a “less is more” approach. For a boost of nourishment and protection while still catering to sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay is an ideal choice. No matter your skin type, keeping it well-hydrated is key for a healthy, radiant complexion and these accessible drugstore brands offer quality moisturizers that fit the bill.