While niche skincare products often steal the spotlight, it’s easy to overlook the OGs — the top drugstore skincare brands we used to encounter while running Target late at night or while refilling our regular prescriptions. Truthfully, some of the best personal care lines are in aisle 9, carefully designed so you can put them in your cart next to your paper towels and dish soap. Just because it’s a huge market doesn’t mean it lacks effectiveness, quite the opposite in fact.
Some brands have perfected their formulas over the decades, while others are on the cutting edge of innovation. Some focus on natural solutions, while others specialize in specific areas such as face washes or moisturizers. The common thread? These brands get the job done.
The variety can be overwhelming, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite brands from retailers ranging from Target to CVS, Walgreens to Walmart, and of course, Amazon. Whether you’re buying last-minute deodorant or new drugstore skincare products to add to your routine, don’t sleep on these brands.
The best drugstore skincare brands, according to Feverqueen
Brave
Some brands are household names for a reason – they have been pioneers in the skincare space, with decades of experience creating premium skincare products. Many of them have successfully launched dedicated lines for men, while others have improved their time-tested formulas. These brands are by no means boring, and they shouldn’t be overlooked, having honed their craft long before most of us. belief About your skin care routine. They’ve earned a place in your medicine cabinet, and if you’re in a pinch, it’s a no-brainer.
When Dove launched the Dove Men+Care line more than a decade ago, it coincided with the rise of men’s grooming products, as men were looking for options designed just for them. Dove Men+Care quickly became a go-to for personal care by combining dermatologist-recommended ingredients (a nod to 1990s commercials) and turning them into effective skin cleansers, hair care and deodorants. I’ve been using their new all-in-one deodorant (found all over deos A moment), which is impressive. It prevents odor, applies smoothly without residue, and features natural ingredients like arrowroot—all while being paraben-free. Cold-pressed soap bars are another standout: they’re vegan, smell great, and are easy to lather. By blending clinical ingredients with natural elements, Dove Men+Care creates care essentials that are both effective and accessible.
Most people reading this will already be familiar with Neutrogena. With over 90 years of being a drugstore staple, our science-backed skincare products combine clinical effectiveness with elegant, simple packaging – a winning formula that has stood the test of time. While their range caters to all skin types, it’s in their skincare range that they really shine. Like many young adults, teens with acne-prone skin may turn to Neutrogena to keep pimples under control, especially through the help of salicylic acid. There is an inherent and consistent quality across the board, from sunscreens and serums to creams, cleansers, retinol and face masks. Of course, not all serums and moisturizers are created equal; Those with dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin have different needs, and the brand provides products for everyone – making democracy at its best. Neutrogena is known for its gender inclusivity, so everyone in your home can enjoy having a serum or cleanser lying around the bathroom sink.
Nivea is another tried and true brand with nearly a century of history behind it. Nivea for Men (you can almost picture the Volkswagen-inspired packaging in the 1980s) eventually evolved into Nivea Men, and has since become a staple in countless men’s medicine cabinets. Nivea Men mainly focuses on skin care, body wash, lotions and shaving creams. I use the Moisturizing Gel for my sensitive face and beard and I can attest that it lathers better than many products at half the price. For the 40% of men with sensitive skin, Nivea Men also offers a specially formulated line with face wash, gel, balm and lotion. And with a new facial line launching in 2025, this powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down – just helping men check their anti-aging skincare routine.
There’s a reason Old Spice is consistently a top-selling antiperspirant and deodorant brand. They have 85 years of experience, and most men know their original fragrances, the Sport Classics, as well as the newer scents like Fiji, but it’s not just deodorants, they have cleansers, shampoos and hair stylers, and the body wash was the first. This mass market lotion is made specifically for men. There’s some serious history here, and they continue to innovate with hot new products, like this all-over body deodorant. We’re not saying you should replace all your personal care products with Old Spice, but don’t sleep on its effectiveness and no-nonsense approach when you need a solid body wash or deodorant.
Aveeno has perfected body care, and its signature lies in its pioneering work on oat science, which is a godsend for those suffering from dry skin or eczema. Through clinical studies, Aveeno has found the benefits of oatmeal: its soothing properties, support of a healthy skin microbiome, and strength of its moisture barrier. But Aveeno is much more than just a body wash. They also offer a range of effective moisturizers, cleansers and body washes. Their newest launch, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream, is perfect when your skin needs deeper hydration — especially as we head into the colder fall and winter months.
Innovators
While many beauty care leaders are also innovators, the brands below build on those that paved the way, creating something special. Some specialize in areas like shaving or face washing, while others leverage science and proprietary ingredients to push skin care forward. No matter your approach, every brand excels in its own way, whether within a specific field or across a broader spectrum. Either option will be a guaranteed option to elevate your grooming routine.
La Roche-Posay may sound a little loud also Excellent, but unlike some other brands with heavy marketing, La Roche-Posay is on the right track. Thermal spring water – sourced from the brand’s hub in France – is a key ingredient in many of its formulas and is known for its soothing and antioxidant properties. La Roche-Posay is all about scientific advancements and special ingredients, and while their face washes, serums, sunscreens and moisturizers are favorites, they’re also innovative. Their MelaB3 cleanser uses Melasyl, an exclusive ingredient to treat discoloration and dark spots. All Anthelios sunscreen products include Cell-Ox Technology, an antioxidant that protects against free radicals caused by UV rays. But don’t let the science scare you, the high-end brand is for everyone, whether they’re looking for brightening results or something to tackle fine lines.
CeraVe launched in 2005 with three products: Moisturizing Cream, Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and Moisturizing Facial Cleanser – some of today’s best sellers. It has since become the standard for face wash with effectiveness, affordability and accessibility in its DNA. Developed in collaboration with dermatologists, CeraVe adhered to the formula-first philosophy, prioritizing powerful active ingredients—like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptides—at an affordable price over flashy, luxurious packaging. The brand’s signature ingredient is three essential ceramides, which help lock in moisture, lock out irritants, and maintain the skin’s natural barrier — all of which form the basis of many products that promise “anti-aging” effects (but cost much more). . Aside from face washes, they know the moisturizers, with products for oil control, skin rejuvenation, SPF 30 and 50, as well as eye creams. In short, CeraVe has a moisturizer or face wash to suit any skin type.
What started as a simple cleaning solution over 75 years ago has evolved into an essential face wash that is sure to grace the sink of someone you know. Cetaphil is known for its sensitive skin and gentle formulas that moisturize the skin without over-exfoliating it. The sheer variety of specialty skincare products they offer can be astonishing: oil-removing, fragrance-free, redness-reducing, foaming, exfoliating, makeup-removing – the list goes on, but basically, they have a cleanser or cream for every skin. He writes. Cetaphil also has solid lotions, serums, and moisturizers for the hands and body. For facial cleansing and skin health, Cetaphil is “Dermatologist Recommended” – they helped develop it.
The method started with cleaning products—sprays and detergents free of toxic ingredients—with a focus on nature. They were a huge hit, and now, it’s hard to see Method packaging without thinking of Target’s signature red dot. Since then, they’ve expanded into a successful men’s grooming line built on the same principles as their cleaning products: clean, natural ingredients that simply get the job done. The packaging is functional, just like the brand itself. The men’s line isn’t as extensive – mainly body wash, shampoo and deodorant – but for the sustainability-conscious man who appreciates simplicity, these are simple yet effective beauty products you can add to your round-up.
As strong as the other brands on this list are, perhaps no other mass-market brand has been able to turn the deodorant game around quite like Native. You’ve probably seen their deodorant sticks at Target or Walgreens, with distinct packaging and different colored lines indicating the scent. Native was one of the first companies to move away from the chemical-laden, generic-smelling formulas of traditional deodorants, and think about their fragrances — some of which even came close to having aroma pyramids. Think sea salt, cedar, black oak, amber, citrus and herbal musk. This brand makes you feel good when using deodorant too. They are transparent about their minimal ingredients and offer some plastic-free packaging. Native has since expanded to include body wash, shampoo, and even sunscreen, and recently launched an all-body deodorant line.
The new kids specializing on the block
The explosion in the men’s grooming market has given rise to a new wave of brands dedicated to men. You’ve probably noticed them at Target, where the personal care aisle was once a sea of sameness; It is now a sea of specialization. Many men are looking for authenticity and quality in their skincare as much as they are in their clothing, and these brands are a direct response—not just with accessible packaging and prices, but with results. While these newer brands may lack the history of established names, they bring a sense of exclusivity, and they’re effective.
Since its launch in 2011, Duke Cannon has steadily built a loyal community. It all started with the Big Ass Brick of Soap, with many men swearing by the huge cleansing bar that seems to last forever, lathers exceptionally well, and comes in a range of great-smelling scents. Duke Cannon embraces strong, no-frills masculinity, making even the most skincare-hesitant men feel comfortable stepping up their skincare game. But it’s not just soap: Duke Cannon has since expanded its lineup to include body and face washes, shaving creams, hand lotions, lip balms, and even cologne.
When Harry first came out, most men didn’t think much about their shaving routine – just a box of Barbasol and a disposable razor waiting to get to work. Harry’s has brought a much needed upgrade while maintaining an affordable experience. They’ve changed the shaving game with better creams, balms and gels and sleek, classic handles – far from the usual over-designed, race-car-inspired razors that fill the shelves. These products brought a sense of elegance and simplicity to your tub, protecting the skin barrier and dealing with even the most stubborn facial hair. But Harry didn’t stop at shaving; They have expanded into skin, body and hair care with items such as cooling eye sticks and lip balms, although shaving remains their signature offering. When in doubt, look for the blue packaging – it’s hard to miss.
With its distinctive shingle packaging, Every Man Jack has become a Target mainstay, offering a friendly, artisanal vibe that resonates with many men. The brand offers everything from beard to skin, but its most popular products are body care and deodorants, including a new all-over deodorant, with naturally derived ingredients. Having covered cologne for most of my career, Every Man Jack delivers impressive scents, from cedarwood to sandalwood to sea salt, that are what you would now expect from a personal care line. EMJ is also interested in sustainability. They have committed to using 100% sustainable packaging by 2025, using recycled materials and refill options. So, you can feel good about using them too, Jack.
We know another celebrity is trying to cash in on the men’s grooming market. But The Rock’s grooming line is exceptional, hardworking and authentic, just like the man himself. The line was developed over three years in collaboration with fine fragrance house DSM-Firmenich to produce scents such as Sandalwood Suede, Lush Coconut and Cedar Sport. Papatui has everything from facial cleansers and toners to eye gels, lotions, antiperspirants, and my favorite – a body cleansing bar, which is paraben-free and vegan, and leaves my skin feeling almost exfoliated. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a tattoo balm to help moisturize and protect your new ink, because he’s The Rock, and we’d expect nothing less.
Jack Black may be the most niche brand on this list, available at retailers like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Target, Sephora, and Amazon. When Jack Black entered the world of personal care 20 years ago, there were only a few lines for men or people who spoke directly to them, so they created one, and that was just the beginning. Their lip balm, in its signature cobalt blue tube, has become a go-to choice for people everywhere, making the lip balm flexible – a departure from basic lipsticks. Since then, the company has expanded into a full skincare line, offering everything from vitamin C serums and deodorants to cleansers, exfoliators, and shampoos to keep you waking up feeling refreshed. And of course, they continue to release new, and sometimes limited editions of their classic lip balms.
