Amazon Basics Moisturizer Review
Our verdict
For dry skin on a tight budget, Amazon Basics delivers an unusually large 16 fl oz jar of ceramide-and-glycerin moisturizer at $12.56, which works out to under a dollar per fluid ounce. The 4.4-star rating from 1,900 reviewers confirms it is more than a novelty buy.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Dry skin types who want excellent value, a large jar that lasts months, and a formula with ceramide and glycerin for barrier support and hydration.
Skip if
You prefer premium packaging, want a travel-friendly size, or need a formula targeting specific concerns beyond basic dryness.
- Form Cream
- Skin type Dry
- Key ingredients Carbomer,Ceramide,Glycerin
- Benefits Moisturizing
- Targets Dryness
- Size 16 Fluid Ounces
- Priced 42% below the category median ($21.72 across 322 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 1,900 owner ratings
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Popularity4.0/5
1,900 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
| Form | Cream |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry |
| Key ingredients | Carbomer,Ceramide,Glycerin |
| Benefits | Moisturizing |
| Targets | Dryness |
| Size | 16 Fluid Ounces |
| Container | Jar |
| Age range | Adult |
Overview
['Amazon Basics entered skincare with the same value-first premise it applies to household staples, and this moisturizing cream is a clear example. At $12.56 for a 16 fl oz jar, it is one of the most cost-effective options in the face moisturizer category. The jar format is practical for keeping on a dresser or bathroom shelf, and for dry skin types it can double as a face and body moisturizer.', 'The formula lists ceramide, glycerin, and carbomer as key ingredients. Ceramide is a lipid found naturally in skin that plays a role in barrier function, glycerin is a classic humectant that draws moisture to the surface, and carbomer is a gelling agent that helps stabilize the cream texture. Together they form a fundamentally sound moisturizing base, which is what dry skin primarily needs.', 'With 1,900 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is not a product that simply benefits from the Amazon brand name. That rating at that review count suggests real satisfaction from buyers who tried it as an everyday dry-skin moisturizer. The value calculation is straightforward: more product, solid ingredients, lower price per ounce than most competitor jars.']
Pros
- Exceptional value at $12.56 for a 16 fl oz jar
- Contains ceramide and glycerin, well-regarded ingredients for dry skin
- Jar format is practical for daily use and high-use households
- 4.4 stars across 1,900 reviews reflects genuine buyer confidence
- Formulated specifically for dry skin
Cons
- Jar packaging is less hygienic than pump or tube options, fingers dip in daily
- No scent listed, which some buyers may find either neutral or lacking
- Large jar is not travel-friendly
- No additional targeted benefits beyond dryness
Performance notes
Ceramide supports the look and feel of a healthy skin barrier, helping to reduce the appearance of dryness and flakiness over consistent use. Glycerin functions as a humectant, drawing moisture toward the skin's surface. Carbomer acts as a thickener and stabilizer in the cream formulation. Together these ingredients form a classic dry-skin moisturizer structure that is straightforward and time-tested. The cream is listed for dry skin specifically, and the large size accommodates twice-daily use without running out quickly.
What buyers say
1,900 reviews at 4.4 stars is solid performance for a store-brand product in a category where skepticism about private-label skincare is common. The fact that the rating holds at that level suggests buyers are purchasing on merit and finding the formula effective rather than just convenient. The price-to-volume ratio is a likely driver of strong retention and repeat purchases.
More from Amazon Basics
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Frequently asked questions
What does ceramide do in a face moisturizer?
Ceramides are lipids that occur naturally in the outer layer of the skin and play a key role in the skin barrier. In a moisturizer, added ceramide may support the appearance of a stronger, more resilient barrier and help the skin look less dry and tight over time. They are considered a cornerstone ingredient in dry and sensitive skin care routines.
Is a 16 fl oz jar too big for just face use?
For face-only use, 16 fl oz is a very large quantity. At typical daily face application amounts, a jar this size can last six months to over a year. Some buyers use it as both a face and body moisturizer to make the most of the value. If you prefer a smaller, quicker-to-finish size, the brand's other moisturizer in a 3 fl oz bottle may be a better fit.