Choose from Cetaphil, Differin, CeraVe, and more.
If you thought Target’s strengths lay not just in its great home decor and cutting-edge fashions, but also its uncanny ability to get you to spend more than you planned, you’d be wrong.
As if those benefits weren’t enough, the supermarket giant’s ultra-cheap beauty products now compete with those found at luxury department stores (and on dermatologists’ shelves), thanks to a vast selection of equally effective products that often contain natural and organic ingredients.
Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Herman agrees: “Many of Target’s skin-care products are fantastic—you don’t need to fill your dresser with expensive products to keep your skin healthy and glowing.”
But just because Target’s skin-care products are cheap doesn’t mean you should buy them all. Instead, Herman says you should stick with just a few products that you know work for your skin type, and stick with them.
After researching Target’s most popular skin-care products and consulting with celebrity dermatologists, we picked these top picks for different skin types and concerns.
01 Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
What We Like
Non-Comedogenic
Fragrance-Free
Dermatologically Tested
What We Don’t Like
Not Hydrating Enough or Suitable for Drier Skin Types
We love that this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser gently removes impurities and locks in moisture, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft. “The light foam cleanses the skin without stripping away essential oils, while the zinc reduces shine,” Herman says.
02 Best Treatment for Acne-Prone Skin: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
What We Like
Improves Skin Tone and Texture
Works Quickly
Gentler than Prescription Products
What We Don’t Like
Has a Drying Effect
Retinoids used to require a prescription to purchase, but “this is the first FDA-approved, prescription-strength, over-the-counter retinoid,” Herman says. Retinoids help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which unclogs clogged pores. Regular use also prevents blackheads and acne.
03 Best serum for acne-prone skin: Rosen Skincare Bright Citrus Serum
What we like
High in vitamin C
Non-greasy
Improves skin texture and tone
What we don’t like
May be too strong for sensitive skin
If you don’t want to use a retinoid, this vitamin C serum is a great option for reducing acne and the resulting dark spots. The formula contains 20% ascorbic acid to reduce pigmentation and soothe inflammation, as well as mulberry extract to brighten dull skin.
04 Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Hydra-Free Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Like Moisturizing Cream
What We Like
Light
Absorbs Quickly
Won’t Clog Pores
What We Don’t Like
Contains Fragrance
An oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid can deliver moisture to the skin without making it greasy, Herman says. If your skin is very oily, you should choose a product with ingredients that break down sebum (the yellowish, oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands), such as B. diisopropyl sebacate and silicates.
She adds: “This non-comedogenic moisturizer with hyaluronic acid binds and retains moisture, leaving skin feeling hydrated but not greasy.”
05 Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Lotion
What We Like
Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Oxybenzone-free
Available in SPF 30 or 50 options
What We Don’t Like
Testers noticed flaking after use
“This lightweight, water-based liquid sunscreen has a matte finish that allows skin to breathe,” Herman explains. “It’s specially formulated to be non-comedogenic and won’t aggravate acne.” We love that it protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays.
06 Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
What We Like
Hypoallergenic
Fragrance and Dye Free
Soft
What We Don’t Like
May Irritate Dry Skin
“This hypoallergenic cleanser is free of known skin allergens and irritating essential oils, and it cleanses without stripping the skin,” Herman says. We like using it as an everyday cleanser because it’s gentle enough to use twice a day.
07 Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 15, Unscented
What We Like
Clinically Tested for Sensitive Skin
Broadband Spectrum
Non-Greasy
What We Don’t Like
Not Waterproof
“Physical sunscreens are less irritating to sensitive skin than chemical absorbers,” Herman explains. “It’s non-greasy, non-irritating, fragrance-free, and the micronized titanium dioxide doesn’t leave a white film.”
08 Best Serum for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Skin Renewal Vitamin C Serum
What We Like
Protects Against Free Radicals
Strengthens Skin Barrier
Improves Skin Tone and Texture
What We Don’t Like
Testers noticed an unpleasant odor.
“Products with ceramides help repair a damaged or sensitive skin barrier,” Herman says. This serum from CeraVe not only contains ceramides, but also vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to repair and nourish the skin without causing irritation.
09 Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: GlowRx Skincare Hydrating Gel-Cream
What We Like
Formulated for Extra Sensitive Skin
Light
Cooling Effect
What We Don’t Like
Unhygienic Container
Sensitive skin needs a nighttime moisturizer that nourishes without causing irritation. This moisturizer contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera leaf juice, and more to lock in moisture for 72 hours.
10 Best Cleanser for Aging Skin: Neutrogena Hydra-Replenishing Gel Cleanser
What We Like
Gentle but Effective
Makeup Remover
Rich foam
What we don’t like
Testers noted a strong scent
“Hyaluronic acid ensures a plump, refreshed complexion without sagging, wrinkled skin,” Herman says. It’s the main ingredient in this cleanser, which boosts skin’s moisture levels while removing makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities that accumulate throughout the day.
11 Best serum for aging skin: La Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Face Serum
What we like
Broadband protection
Antioxidant-rich formula
Suitable for all skin types
What we don’t like
Contains oxybenzone
“The product’s antioxidants help fight harmful free radicals that cause skin aging, while the SPF 50 sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays,” Herman explains. Antioxidants include vitamins C and E, which are considered essential for healthy and anti-aging skin.
12 Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
What We Like
No Synthetic Fragrances
Fast Results
Suitable for All Skin Types
What We Don’t Like
Unhygienic Container
“The amino-peptide complex helps reduce fine lines, niacinamide helps repair, and hyaluronic acid ensures plump, refreshed skin,” Herman explains. We also appreciate that this cream is fragrance-free and non-irritating, making it suitable for all skin types.
13 Best Retinol for Aging Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
What We Like
Visible Results in 8 Weeks
Non-Comedogenic
Reduces Deep Wrinkles
What We Don’t Like
Testers noticed an unpleasant smell
“Despite the high concentration of this cream, the main ingredient, retinol, is not as irritating as retinoids,” Herman says. “Retinol boosts skin renewal, reduces dullness, soothes inflammation, and promotes collagen production.”
The brand is well-known for its retinol products and has conducted over 100 clinical studies, so the results are guaranteed.
Final Verdict
Target skincare products may look like “drugstore” products to many people, but that doesn’t mean their products aren’t as effective as others on the market. We like the La Roche Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Face Serum, which not only protects the skin from UV rays but also reduces signs of aging.
Another favorite is the Neutrogena Hydro-Gel Moisturizer, because it’s lightweight and hydrating without being greasy.
What to Look for in Target Skincare
The “At a Glance” Seal
All products on the Target website have an “At a Glance” section. There you’ll find certain certifications or attributes, such as e.g. cruelty-free, vegan, black-owned, and more. If you’re looking for something specific, pay attention to these clues to make sure you’re getting what you want.
There are even labels for the skin types that the product is suitable for. Keep your seal in mind when browsing the retailer’s skincare catalog.
Ingredients
To ensure you’re buying a high-quality skincare product, pay attention to the ingredients on the label and their order (from most concentrated to least concentrated). Make sure the product contains the right ingredients for your skin type or skin concern.
For example, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a moisturizer from Hellmann’s for aging skin that contains a variety of ingredients to fight the signs of aging. It contains niacinamide and amino peptides, which have been shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and age spots.
12 Differin Adapalene Gel has the same benefits, as adapalene has been shown to quickly fight acne and inflammation. 3
Value for Money
Skincare products can range in price from less than $10 to several hundred dollars at Target. When it comes to product cost, there are several factors you should consider before spending a lot of money—like the size and amount of an effective application.
If a product is beyond your budget but only requires a peanut-sized amount and is packed with nourishing active ingredients, it may be worth buying. The opposite is also true: You shouldn’t buy a cheap product that doesn’t work well, because it may take longer and require more product to see results.
FAQ
What do dermatologists buy at Target?
All of the above products are recommended by Hermann, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in skin diseases and cosmetic procedures. Other brands frequently recommended by Target’s dermatologists include Cerave, Cetaphil, and La Roche-Posay.
What are the best skincare brands at Target?
Target offers a wide selection of skincare brands—from affordable drugstore items to high-end products. We love all of the brands mentioned above, with some of our favorites including Versed, BEVEL, and Naturium.
