The 16 Best Drugstore Skin Care Products Money Can Buy

La Roche-Posay knows exactly what the people want. At a time when corrective treatments are cropping up at lightspeed, the French brand whipped up a dark spot corrector that uses Melasyl, La Roche-Posay’s exclusive ingredient, to attack post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide is a cushion that helps prevent further damage.

Key ingredients: Melasyl, niacinamide

Size: 1 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “I have a dark spot on my forehead from a pimple that was determined to leave its mark. I gave this serum to someone, and within a month, I noticed several of their dark spots had started to fade. That’s all I needed to see—for the past week, I’ve been using this product daily—and know my dark spot days are soon to be over.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

Slugging is the skin care craze that helps lock in moisture and soothe skin, perfect for those with acid-heavy routines. Thanks to its affordability, Aquaphor’s cult-favorite ointment is found in the vanities of beauty obsessives everywhere. Plus, a little goes a long way, so you’ll have this jar for forever.

Key ingredient: Petrolatum

Size: 14 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “I don’t remember the last time I bought a tub of Aquaphor, yet somehow, some way I always have one on hand. It’s the multipurpose product everyone needs in their homes or work bags, as it works as a lip balm, a hand salve, a post-procedure soother, and so much more.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

This La Roche-Posay hero product is a lifesaver for anyone who deals with a compromised skin barrier in any way, whether that be rosacea or severely dry, irritated skin. Madecassoside and zinc are two of the many soothing ingredients that power the gentle formula and make it the panacea it is.

Key ingredients: Panthenol, shea butter, glycerin, madecassoside, copper, zinc, maganese, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water

Size: 1.4 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor said: “More often than not, removing my makeup leaves my skin red and irritated underneath. However, the one product that instantly calms it down is this balm. I don’t understand how it does it, but within just a minute or two, 90 percent of the redness disappears. I will forever keep this in my arsenal—it’s a true must-have for all of my fellow rosacea sufferers trying to live their best lives.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

We’ve all been let down by sunscreen before, whether it left behind a pasty white cast or exposed itself in droplets of sweat running down your face. This Sun Bum bestseller is one you can trust. It’s reef-safe, water-resistant, and prevents sunburns.

Key ingredient: Vitamin E

Size: 8 oz

Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stats

An ELLE Editor says: “Sun care is essential to my skin care routine—so I try a lot of the best sunscreens. Sun Bum is one of my favorites and this formula is a staple amongst my friend group. I prefer the SPF 50 spray version—it also leaves a little golden glow, so I never mind reapplying. This is not just one of the best drugstore sunscreen brands—it’s one of the best, period. The formula has a wonderful scent and is not sticky.” —Danielle James

Similar to the feeling you get after guzzling ice-cold water on a hot day, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost moisturizer is a thirst-quencher for your face. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid work together to hydrate parched skin and keep it plumped and fresh throughout the day.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor said: “This moisturizer feels so good on your skin and absorbs quickly. It leaves your skin looking hydrated and plump. It’s affordable and effective. When I’m in Trinidad and suffering from the heat, I like to place it in the fridge for an additional cooling effect on my morning routine. It’s great for skin of all ages, and I gift this to people who are new (or resistant) to a skin care routine.” — Danielle James

These days, SPF 30 is the lowest level of sun protection that’s considered acceptable by experts. This lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer has that and more—the ceramides and prebiotics in the product put in the work to provide hydration and support the skin barrier.

Key ingredients: SPF, ceramides, prebiotics

Size: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I’ve been using this for a few months with the PM moisturizer and the cleanser and absolutely love it. It’s the perfect combo of hydrating moisturizer and skin-protecting SPF. It doesn’t leave a white residue on skin or have any harsh fragrances. It’s perfect layered under a full face of makeup and on bare face days.”

If you regularly deal with breakouts, you can never have too many pimple patches on hand. This option from E.L.F. offers three dozen of them for as much as your daily sweet treat. They’re so thin and transparent that friends and coworkers will barely notice that you’re wearing them.

Key ingredients: Hydrocolloid

Size: 36 counts

Target rating: 4/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “These pimple patches are amazing and extremely affordable. I will definitely buy again.”

Pinning down products that work can be a tall order when you have sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Thankfully, this eczema-safe formula contains oats and antioxidant-rich feverfew to calm and moisturize without irritation.

Key ingredients: Oat, feverfew

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said:“My husband used this to clear very red, irritated skin from harsh winter weather. Worked very quickly, and his skin looks great.”

While many celebrities are creating their own lines, Sarah Jessica Parker is the Optimist in Residence for RoC and likes how the products work with her skin. Retinol is a surefire way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that emerge with age. Retinol is a tricky yet powerful ingredient that requires loads of hydration to ward off the dryness it can cause. Packed in this tube are nourishing ingredients like squalane and shea butter to serve as a balm.

Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane, shea butter

Size: 1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Love this stuff! I am older and have deep wrinkles. It doesn’t magically remove them but it definitely helps soften them. Good stuff!”

Pixi’s Glow Tonic contains five percent glycolic acid, a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, glowier complexion underneath. Some even use it on their body to lighten scars and get rid of ingrown hairs.

Key ingredient: Glycolic acid

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “Love this product, I’ve tried other toners, and this is the first one where I can actually feel it doing something. I normally exfoliate 2-3 times a week, but since I’ve been using this toner, I pretty much haven’t needed to exfoliate. It’s definitely a gentle exfoliator, and I’ve had no issues with the mixture of my other creams like retinol, etc. I will continue to buy!”

Breakouts are no match for this gentle, benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser. Featuring four percent BP, this cleanser helps clear existing acne and prevents new ones from emerging with consistent, daily use.

Key ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide

Size: 5 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve been looking for the right acne remedy for years. The Foaming Cream Cleanser works for me. Love it!”

A no-fuss, gentle cleanser is an absolute must in all skincare routines. Cetaphil’s bestselling face wash delivers on its claims—it cleanses, hydrates, and restores—while leaving your skin in better shape than before, thanks to a nourishing cocktail of vitamins, glycerin, and niacinamide.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5 (panthenol), niacinamide

Size: 20 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “This product has a cult following, and has been available for a number of years. It works well for all skin types and is free of fragrance and parabens. Works well to cleanse without stripping and helps to repair skin barrier with hydration.” — Dr. Lian Mack

Coat your skin in Bio-Oil’s silky smooth body lotion, which wards off dryness and reveals hydrated, radiant skin using a formula that’s packed with jojoba oil, shea oil, rosehip oil, and hyaluronic acid.

Key ingredients: Jojoba, rosehip, shea oil, and hyaluronic acid

Size: 5.9 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

Our expert says: “This product is super hydrating, but with an ultralight consistency. Packed with shea oil, it is readily absorbed and hydrates the skin almost instantaneously. I love this product because it is super hydrating with a high absorption rate.” — Dr. Mack

CeraVe has your AM and PM routines sorted with this simple set that comes with sun protection for the daytime and a lightweight moisturizer for nighttime nourishment.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid

Size: 3 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6./5 stars

Our expert says: “I am a firm believer that you do not need to break the bank for moisturizers and cleansers. There are so many effective options available over the counter. I love Cerave AM and PM for my patients. Both formulations are affordable. The AM formulation contains SPF 30, as well as ceramides to help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. Cerave PM is a non-comedogenic (non-white head, non-blackhead forming) moisturizer that couples well with nighttime retinol or prescription-strength retinoid.”—Dr. Lian Mack

Provence Beauty’s gel-to-foam cleanser is a great cleanser when you need a one-and-done solution to remove your makeup, dirt, and oil at the end of the day. The fruity concoction hosts apple extract, orange blossom, watermelon extract, and more to give your skin the love it deserves.

Key ingredients: Apple extract, watermelon extract, willowbark

Size: 8 fl oz

Ulta rating: 3.9/5 stars

Our expert says: “Provence Beauty is also a great drug store find. It works to cleanse the skin gently without stripping and works well for all skin types. The apple extract naturally exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more even complexion. The watermelon extract hydrates skin, while the orange blossom tones and moisturizes. Lastly, willowbark, unclogs pores and soothes skin.”—Dr. Lian Mack

If you have incredibly dry skin, then Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is the solution for you. The thick formula includes petrolatum (petroleum jelly) and sorbitol—to draw and seal moisture into your skin. This formula works well with those that have sensitive skin, suffer from eczema, or need relief from inflammation. Pro tip: ensure your skin is slightly damp when applying this cream.

Key ingredients: Petrolatum, sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol

Size: 1 lb

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: I love this entire line for sensitive-skinned patients. I often recommend it to patients who suffer from eczema or various skin conditions that impact the functionality of the skin barrier. These products are also free of dyes, synthetic fragrances, and parabens. For individuals with a known gluten allergy, they are gluten-free. They contain ceramides which are building blocks for the epidermal layer. Some retailers allow these products to be purchased using an FSA or HSA card.”—Dr. Lian Mack