7 days ago
25 Target Skincare Items You'll Never Go Without Again
A hydration-packed HA serum, because using layers of hyaluronic acid can help pull in moisture and plump skin quicker and easily under makeup or moisturizer.
Promising review: "This serum is fantastic! I feel like it definitely plumps my skin with hydration, I'm noticing the fine lines on my forehead are becoming less noticeable and even an acne scar on my cheek is becoming less noticeable! I also love the texture, it kind of goes on with a thick slippery texture but dries completely fine quickly! I have sensitive skin and it hasn't irritated it at all. I've been using this with the Niacinamide serum from the same brand as well as cerave face wash, moisturizer, and retinol and I've really noticed a difference in the appearance of my skin. Other people around me are noticing too! For the price point, it's a great product to try! I'm ordering more to have on hand for when I run out!" —Casey APrice: $5.99
A skin barrier-boosting daily lotion with a silky finish that claims to be fast-absorbing. CeraVe's signature blend of ceramides and moisture-locking ingredients makes it a go-to for dry or sensitive skin.
Promising review: "I use it for face only and it makes my skin feel hydrated but not bogged down with the product feel. It's light. Only moisturizer I've used now for the past few years!" —KendallPrice: $6.99+ (available in four sizes)
A gentle foaming cleanser that helps to melt away makeup and oil without stripping moisture, thanks to soothing thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramides. It's formulated to leave a calming cleanse for sensitive or combination skin.
Promising review: "I honestly thought this was just another overhyped skincare line but boy was I wrong. I had been paying $40 for another face wash, ran out, and decided to give this one a try just to see and I wish I would've switched to this a long time ago. It has been YEARS since my skin was smooth and didn't have bumps or some kind of breakout on it. I have very sensitive skin and this did wonders for me. I 100% recommend." —KayleePrice: $9.39+ (available in four sizes)
A gentle hydrating cleanser made with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help your skin feel clean, calm, and never tight. It's a drugstore classic that has the derm stamp of approval.
Promising review: "I can't say enough about CeraVe products, especially this cleanser. It's mild, hydrating, and effective at washing away makeup, sweat, oil, and grime from my face without drying out my skin." —Momx2Price: $6.49+ (available in four sizes)
A brightening low-strength retinol serum reviewers say smooths post-acne marks and softens pore texture — all while keeping soothing ceramides front and center.
Promising review: "I suffer from really bad acne scarring; anytime a pimple goes away, it leaves a bright red spot behind. Nothing has helped remove them. I started using this product a few days ago, and I'm already seeing results. The spots have lightened significantly. The best part is my skin doesn't even feel dry, which it normally does with acne products. Def use sunscreen and a good moisturizer to protect your skin though! This is definitely now a regular in my skincare lineup." —KaitlynPrice: $18.69
A water-light vitamin C + E serum fortified with ferulic acid to help brighten and even skin and reduce dark spots. E.l.f.'s affordable antioxidant blend is built to add glow to the skin without a greasy feel.
Promising review: "I love the product, it brightens my skin when I don't want to wear any makeup. The smell? Not great. But it goes away after a bit." —KjjmPrice: $16
A cult-fave ultra-hydrating cream made with colloidal oatmeal to soothe dry, irritated skin. It's a thick but fast-absorbing formula and works wonders on dry, sensitive skin. (Plus, this writer swears by it — even as someone with naturally oily skin.)
Promising review: "I was influenced on TikTok to try this and I don't regret it one minute. This is the holy grail of my skincare. I have never felt more moisturized (without feeling oily!!!!) It's literally my favorite moisturizer I've ever used." —haijoPrice: $18+ (available in two sizes)
A targeted eye cream infused with retinol to help smooth fine lines and decrease puffiness. RoC's tried-and-true fix for tired under-eyes is said to show visible results right away, and major improvements after 12 weeks.
Promising review: "Loved this! this is the first retinol eye cream i've used and although i can't speak yet on long term results, it's kept my (super dry) undereyes hydrated all day and i feel like it's helping keeping the fine lines smoother, so i'll keep being constant with it but for now, 10/10." —FernandaPrice: $12.99+ (available in two sizes)
A silky hydration serum made for layering under your moisturizer. Bubble's Water Slide has light and slippery ingredients to glide on like nothing and leave your skin looking like everything. It's ideal for barrier repair and moisture boosts.
Promising review: "This stuff is great! It's so moisturizing, but still light and soaks in really well. I use it at night after my retinol to help lock in some extra moisture.' —RaePrice: $14.99
A water-gel moisturizer that feels like nothing but works like everything. Neutrogena's cult favorite floods skin with hydration via hyaluronic acid, then vanishes into a glassy, fresh finish. This is another highly ranked moisturizer that I swear by.
Promising review: "This is my holy grail. It doesn't have a super strong scent, and it makes my skin look amazing before I put makeup on or whenever I wake up in the morning. It's lightweight and feels really nice on your face, so it's perfect for the humidity." —anonymousPrice: $10.49+ (available in two sizes)
A whipped daily moisturizer because it's juicy, buildable, and never greasy. It's a ~Slam Dunk~ that brings serious hydration in a lightweight cream that feels like a cloud. It'll be a go-to for dewy, everyday skin.
Promising review: 'This moisturizer is one of my favorites, because it gives my skin an effortless glow and it also is super lightweight! I have normal/dry combination skin and it perfectly balances it out to be just right. It's fragrance-free and dye free which is super helpful because I break out from using a lot of products but this one doesn't give any acne at all.' —NoahPrice: $14.99
A gentle salicylic cleanser designed to clear breakouts softly. La Roche‑Posay's formula balances deep-cleaning acids and calming thermal water to offer medicated acne solutions in the most convenient way.
Promising review: "I'm genuinely in awe of this product. I'm in my mid-twenties and still struggling with acne, but after using this twice daily and letting it sit for one minute, my skin has improved dramatically. Recently, I had a large pimple on my cheekbone. I used the wash that night and again the next morning, and within 2–3 days, it was gone. I highly recommend this to anyone dealing with acne. Just note, it can be a bit drying, so follow up with a moisturizer!" —EmmaPrice: $16.99
A multi-use healing ointment for soothing dry patches, cracked hands, or over-exfoliated skin — no fancy ingredients, just serious results. Aquaphor's tried-and-true formula is a staple in every pro's kit for a reason.
Promising review: "Perfect size to keep in my bag for my kids' faces, which tend to get chapped in colder weather. We have one in every room too for easy access.' —ram87Price: $4.49+ (available in two sizes)
A hydrocolloid patch made to zap zits overnight by absorbing gunk and keeping bacteria out. Mighty Patch stays put while you sleep or hides under makeup during the day.
Promising review: "I love these patches! They are amazing for getting all the nasty stuff out and shrinking my blemishes in just a day! I also have found them to be amazing for ingrown hairs that aren't to the surface! I will keep using!' —FMPrice: $8.99+ (available in two sizes)
A gel-based daily cleanser that melts away SPF, makeup, and the day's grime, without stripping your skin. Bubble's Fresh Start gets bonus points for its fun packaging and no-fuss formula.
Promising review: "I have this face wash and I love it so much. It is so good for just clearing and resetting your skin. It also takes off makeup.' —HaileyPrice: $14.99
A featherlight gel sunscreen from Versed that sinks in instantly and leaves zero white cast, according to reviewers. This invisible SPF 50 is perfect under makeup or all on its own for a skin-first kind of day.
Promising review: 'This sunscreen is great for sensitive skin. I have dry, rosacea, and acne-prone skin, and it works well for me. It's hydrating but not greasy, there is no scent, and it's great under makeup (no pilling). It does have a somewhat glowy finish, but it isn't overwhelming. Overall, a great SPF moisturizer.' —Target customerPrice: $19.99
A gelée-based cleanser created by Naturium that gently lifts away impurities, and even has users raving that it calms redness and dry patches. It's fragrance free, pH balanced, and a total win for sensitive skin.
Promising review: 'Cleans well and leaves skin soft and healthy. I've tried a lot of cleansers and always come back to this one.' —Mm217Price: $4.99+ (available in two sizes)
A sheer mineral sunscreen fluid from Black Girl Sunscreen that's made with melanated skin in mind. This SPF 30 is made with nourishing ingredients like jojoba and avocado oils, and was designed to leave zero white cast because ew?? Who wants that?
Promising review: 'Love it, it leaves my skin moisturized, protected with a healthy glow, and it doesn't leave a white-purplish ashiness on my skin. I believe it is great and 'universal' to all skin tones and types. Just remember to do a skin patch test with any skin care products if it's your first time using when it comes to your face. Anyways, I love it and my daughters, son, and husband loves it too.' —SerenityPrice: $14.99
A facial toner to set the ~tone~ for the perfect skincare routine. It's alcohol- and scent free, but thanks to the added aloe vera, reviewers say the simple ingredients keep their skin hydrated.
Promising review: "This toner has been a game changer for my skincare routine! I love that it's gentle on my skin yet still effectively removes impurities and balances my complexion. Since it's alcohol-free, it doesn't dry out my skin or cause any irritation, which is a big plus. The unscented formula is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or those who prefer a more neutral experience. I've noticed my skin feels smoother, hydrated, and refreshed after each use. The packaging is simple and easy to use, and a little goes a long way. This toner has quickly become a staple in my daily skincare regimen, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a gentle, non-drying toner." —A complete set Price: $11.49 (also available in rose petal, lavender, and cucumber scents)
A pack of Neutrogena makeup-removing wipes because you deserve to wipe away the day's dirt, germs (and your makeup) with a gentle cleansing wipe instead of having to scrub at your face with soap and water only.
Promising review: "Neutrogena face wipes are great for gently removing eye makeup. I also like how cool and smooth they feel on your face as a 'wake up' in the morning." —RozziPrice: $1.99+ (available in three sizes)
A Byoma sensitive retinol oil made for first-time retinol users and sensitive skin baddies who are interested in venturing into the world of skin barrier nourishment without the intense drawbacks of high doses of retinol.
Promising review: "Randomly grabbed from Target! I used to take really good care of my skin with high-end, professional products, but as I've run out of products, I've been bad about replacing them bc of $$$. After one use of this stuff, my skin is glowing like it used to and feels really moisturized without being greasy. I'm not sure how great the retinol results will be, but so far it's really good!" —Jess JPrice: $17.99
A niacinamide water gel face mask meant to help shrink pores, keep acne at bay, and leave your skin plump and glowy — all for less than what it costs to grab some snacks at the gas station.
Promising review: "I agree, yes, there's a lot of product, but I love it because I would rather have that than barely any. As far as the results…I didn't expect it to tighten and firm my skin so much in just one use!! I'm so impressed and will continue to buy this." —KierraPrice: $3.99
A Cosmetics Glow Balm which aims to give skin a glow while locking in hydration. It's a pocket-size highlighter for an instant luminous boost; no brush required, just swipe and go!
Promising review: "This is great for added moisture in specific areas. It is not greasy and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It does have a bit of a shiny appearance, like Vaseline." —alliePrice: $19.99
An exfoliating glow tonic formulated with skin-boosting ingredients, that's made to gently slough away dead skin cells and leave you with a dewy, glowing complexion.
Promising review: "This is really good. I don't typically purchase skincare products that are not medical grade, but I had been eyeing this for years and finally decided to cave since it has glycolic acid, and my skin loves glycolic acid. I'm able to use it twice per day and, yes, it works! It gradually made my skin even and glowy. I love how gentle it is, but effective. Will continue using it in my skincare routine." —CatPrice: $15+ (available in two sizes)
A coconut shea body scrub for buffing away dead skin without any roughness, leaving you with a baby-soft feel. It hydrates, smells like a beach day, and leaves your skin glowing and refreshed after just one wash. Safe to say, from my personal experience, it's a total winner!
Promising review: "Leaves my skin silky, soft, and smooth! The scent is light and warm without being overpowering. Looking forward to trying their other scents." —DeePrice: $8.69
