Skincare, while I’ve always had my own simple routine, isn’t something I started to really prioritize until lately. I used the basics (a little cleanser here, a little moisturizer there), but I never really dived deep into active ingredients or potential advantages. And honestly, I didn’t feel a need to! But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to see wrinkles (UGH), and my college tanning bed days are definitely catching up with me.
A lot of people say that Botox is pretty much the only cure-all for aging, but it kind of intimidates me. I also just really don’t want to pay the price for it (again and again and again.) That’s why I went on a hunt to find the best drugstore skincare products that ACTUALLY work.
Below, you can find everything from eye creams and under-eye patches to retinols and face moisturizers. And, there are no high price tags and adverse side effects! Just clear, smooth, visibly improved skin. Ready to look and feel your best? Let’s dive in!
Drugstore Skincare Products that Actually Work
We’ve all caved and purchased that super trendy and unreasonably expensive skincare product before. Maybe your favorite influencer was promoting it or all the reviews swore it was a miracle—but we’ve all been there. Some really do hold their weight, but others just leave us disappointed and out of a WHOLE lot of money.
Good skincare doesn’t really require much—it’s just about finding the products and ingredients that work well with your skin. Oh, and your skincare goals, of course. That’s why I made sure to find the best products at affordable prices. Let’s explore our options!
Eye Creams and Under-Eye Products
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
Shop this Affordable Eye Cream Here
Did you know that the skin around your eyes actually ages faster than most other areas on your face? Neither did I until recently! That’s why moisturizing under-eye products are so important. And in terms of great results and a great price, Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream is the best—hands down.
With ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3, this formula restores, repairs, and hydrates all day. It’s effective without feeling too strong, making it the perfect option for those with sensitive skin.
Hydrogel Under-Eye Recovery Patch
Shop these Affordable Under-Eye Patches Here
There’s something about under-eye patches that instantly makes me feel luxurious. They’re a must-have if you want to take your skincare routine to the next level. After a long weekend or late night, I love using these under-eye recovery patches.
These under-eye patches use ingredients like glycerin, green tea extract, vitamin C, and aloe vera—all things that make your skin feel fresh and revitalized. Not only is this product great for wrinkles, but it’s also excellent for easing puffiness and swelling.
The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream
Shop this Affordable Eye Cream Here
If you’re searching for a product that makes you look more “awake,” look no further. This super affordable eye cream smooths under-eyes, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and makes skin look and feel firmer. Don’t just take it from me, though—take it from the 4-week clinical study done to track progress. (Yeah, it’s that good—and just for $11!).
It uses caffeine to relieve water retention and peptides to leave skin feeling plump and hydrated. This product is perfect for reducing puffiness and acting as a smooth base for makeup. Does it get any better?
Face Toners
Thayer’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel
Shop this Affordable Toner Here
I hopped on the bandwagon with this super popular drugstore toner, and I can’t believe I waited so long! It’s fantastic for soothing and hydrating skin while also helping balance pH levels. If you don’t know why balancing your skin’s pH is so important, don’t worry—I didn’t at first either. Essentially, it protects your skin barrier, retains moisture, reduces bacteria growth, and gives you a radiant glow. This is everything your skin needs to say smooth and wrinkle-free.
It also doesn’t dry out my skin like other toners do, and I can use it after my cleanser and makeup remover to clean any excess product I missed. Even better? You can use it all over your body—from sunburns to bug bites. And you guys know how I feel about an affordable product that can do this much. You need it ASAP!
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
Shop this Affordable Toner Here
Okay, this one isn’t technically a drugstore skincare product, but it’s as affordable as one. This is another toner that took the skincare community by storm, and I completely understand why. Although it also exfoliates, it still is technically considered an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) toner. But it’s not just cleaning off excess makeup and making your skin feel firmer.
With ingredients like glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, and ginseng root extract, this toner improves signs of congestion, smooths skin texture, and makes skin radiant and glowy. I recommend starting small (a couple times a week) and working your way up. This toner is small but mighty—both in its results and price tag!
Face Exfoliators and Moisturizers
No7 Total Renewal Exfoliator
Shop this Affordable Face Exfoliator Here
It’s really important to me that I’m not using the same products on my face that I use on my body. This is typically because ingredients, goals, and purposes differ—and face exfoliator is no exception!
By using aluminum-oxide crystals, this exfoliator buffs away dead skin cells, removes buildup, and makes your skin appear visually brighter. You truly don’t know how much your skin holds onto all that day-to-day “yuck” until you exfoliate it. And, fortunately, this one is also super hydrating and gentle!
e.l.f Gentle Peeling Exfoliant
Shop this Affordable Face Exfoliator Here
If there’s one thing e.l.f is known for, it’s their budget-friendly yet high-quality products—makeup and skincare alike. This product is basically a 2-in-1—it’s a cleanser and an exfoliant. It’s perfect for anyone who typically double-cleanses but doesn’t want to strip their skin of any natural oils.
With the tangerine and papaya extracts, this exfoliator gently removes dead skin to leave your face feeling soft, clean, and firm. You also only have to use it 2 to 3 times a week, so it lasts much longer than you’d expect.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Shop this Affordable Face Moisturizer Here
Moisturizer is something I’ve always struggled with because I have combo skin. This means that it’s super dry through the winter, but oily after putting on lotion. (And it just gets worse throughout the day!). I’ve tried sooo many high-end moisturizers, but I always come back to my old faithful drugstore option—Neutrogena.
I’ve been using it for YEARS now and no product compares. Thanks to the hydrologic acid, my skin stays moisturized all day without getting oily and greasy. If you’ve had doubts about giving this product a chance, take it from me—it’s so worth it.
La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Shop this Affordable Face Moisturizer Here
La Roche-Posay is so good that I still can’t believe it’s offered in drugstores at an affordable price. No matter where you have sensitive skin, dry skin, or even combination skin, the Double Repair Moisturizer provides all-day hydration without clogging pores or getting oily.
It also contains niacinamide, ceramide-3, a thermal water—all ingredients that soothe, repair, and protect your skin. Even better, it also contains SPF! I don’t recommend skipping out on your regular SPF, though—it’s the ultimate tool for wrinkle-prevention.
Body Exfoliators and Moisturizers
Tree Hug Sugar Scrub
Shop this Affordable Body Exfoliator Here
I recently realized that because I use tanning mousse weekly, I really should be exfoliating, too. It’s super important for getting rid of dead skin and buildup so each application looks fresh and smooth. Even if you don’t use a self-tanner, a body exfoliator is still a good product to add into your routine.
A lot of us realize how important face exfoliants are, but we forget to show that same love to the rest of our body! Not only does it make your skin feel softer, but it also boosts circulation and promotes skin elasticity. You may not technically “need” it now, but you’ll thank yourself for it later.
Dr. Teal’s Shea Sugar Scrub
Shop this Affordable Body Exfoliator Here
You may know Dr. Teal’s for their epsom-salt infused bubble baths and bath salts, but they also make SUPER effective body scrubs. This scent in particular contains essential oils, shea butter, vitamin C, and orange oil—perfect for refreshing your skin and uplifting your mood.
But, shop around on Amazon or in your local drugstore to browse their scents and check out the different benefits. This is one of those products that makes you feel luxurious—whether you’re prepping for your next self-tan or just spending a night doing self-care.
Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Spray
Shop this Affordable Body Moisturizer Here
Vaseline has been a beloved household moisturizer for years, and that’s not ending anytime soon. Formulated with 100% pure cocoa butter, you’re getting triple-purified micro-droplets of vaseline that lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier.
I personally love it because, sometimes, I just hate the feeling of lotion—especially after a shower. Instead of feeling oily and greasy from head-to-toe, this formula glides on and is absorbed in minutes.
eos Shea Better Body Lotion
Shop this Affordable Body Moisturizer Here
Did anyone ever have those egg-shaped eos chapsticks? I used to be obsessed with them! And then that obsession transferred over to their Shea Better body lotion and I’ve been using it for years. I love the fresh + cozy scent, but they have a ton of other options that you’re sure to love just as much.
Aside from the scent, this eos body moisturizer is formulated with natural oils and butters, making this option both hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. It’s a great option for anyone who has sensitive skin and has to be careful of which products they use.
Vitamin C
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Shop this Affordable Vitamin C Serum Here
This vitamin C is one of the newer products I added to my skincare routine, and I can’t believe I wasn’t using it sooner! Basically, consider vitamin C as the holy grail product. It helps smooth your skin, fades dark and sunspots, and products collagen to reduce wrinkles.
It contains things like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and MSM. Not only are these great for hydration, but they also brighten your complexion and soothe any irritation. If you haven’t incorporated a vitamin C serum in your routine yet, now’s definitely the time.
Retinol Serums
CeraVe Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
Shop this Affordable Retinol Serum Here
Another product that should really be in your skincare routine is retinol. And here’s the thing with retinol: you HAVE to start slow. Because they’re so powerful, if you go in with too much too quickly, you can experience peeling, dryness, and acne.
But when used correctly? It’s an unbeatable product. I love this one in particular because it helps stimulate collagen productions, smooths lines and wrinkles, and blurs acne and sunspots. It’s also not super strong, so it’s a great option for anyone just adding retinol into their routine.
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Retinol
Shop this Affordable Retinol Serum Here
Hero Cosmetics is another super great brand for anyone just starting out with retinol—it’s gentle yet effective. It’s not just an average retinol blend, though, which I personally love. It also has squalene to soften skin and a Rescue Balm Complex, which is full of beta gluten, pantheon, and oligopeptides. Basically, a whole bunch of good-for-you ingredients in skincare.
It doesn’t take long to see results, either. After enough time using a retinol, you’ll begin to notice things like bouncier, smoother skin, and an overall more even texture.
Cleansers and Makeup Removers
Garnier Micellar Water
Shop this Affordable Cleansing Water Here
Another one of my absolute favorite products I swear by is this cleansing water. It’s originally designed to soothe and refresh skin while lifting dirt and impurities without irritating your skin. But, what else is it good for, you may ask? Removing makeup!
A lot of makeup removers, while they’re marketed to be sensitive-skin safe, are actually super drying and can cause a lot of irritation. That’s why I always follow up my cleansing routine with micellar water. It cleans up any extra makeup I may have missed, while also making my skin feel clean and refreshed.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
Shop these Affordable Makeup Remover Wipes Here
Before I used micellar water religiously, I always used these makeup wipes. Honestly, I still use them whenever I’m traveling or come back home after a long night. They remove makeup in a few quick swipes without irritating or drying out your skin. I know that a lot of you know exactly what I mean when I say that some makeup wipes burn when removing your eye makeup.
Neutrogena makeup wipes are gentle, efficient, and budget-friendly! It also doesn’t make my face breakout the next morning or feel super oily the entire next day.
Pore Masks
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Shop this Affordable Pore Mask Here
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love this pore mask. It reminds me of the Glam Glow Mud Mask, but it works a little better and is much more affordable. Plus, it lasts SO long. You only need to use this once or twice a week for soft, smooth skin.
I love it because you can actually feel your face pulsating, which in my book, means it’s working to remove all of that gunk. It’s the best product for tightening pores, but not in that skin-drying, “this feels overly tightening” way.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Mask
Shop this Affordable Clarifying Face Mask Here
Another La Roche-Posay product because they’re just too good to only include once. For anyone who has oily or even combination skin, you’ll loooove this clarifying mask. It basically removes all that oil (not your natural oils, just the oil from overproduction) and gives you this soft, mattified appearance.
Aside from eliminating excess oil, it also helps to remove impurities and unclog your pores. And, you won’t have to worry if you have acne-prone skin—this product was tested and approved in a non-comedogenic study. It’s a win-win!
Skincare Tools
Esarora Ice Roller
Shop this Affordable Ice Roller Here
Ice rollers are like 50% skincare, 50% self-care. As someone who works a full-time job and spends an extensive amount of time on the computer, I tend to get really bad headaches. Fortunately, I found this ice roller and those headaches don’t bother me nearly as much.
It’s not just a great headache relief tool, though. It also helps shrink the appearance of pores, prevent wrinkles, and lift the skin. You can use it before applying your makeup for a nice skin pick-me-up, or just roll it on as soon as you wake up to feel refreshed and renewed.
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
Shop these Affordable Oil Absorbing Sheets Here
Whenever I’m wearing makeup, my skin tends to get super oily from the products—even more so during the summer. If you deal with the same thing, these oil blotting sheets will change your life. It’s honestly one of the most useful and effective tools you could treat yourself to.
Just dab a sheet on your face whenever your makeup starts getting a little oily, and voila! It still looks and feels just as fresh as it did when you put it on. And even if you’re going out on a no-makeup day, you can still keep a few of these sheets in a purse or bag for those “au naturel” excess oil moments.
Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo
Shop this Affordable Dry Shampoo Here
I’ve tried mannyyyy dry shampoos, and nothing compares to this one. A lot of options give you that sticky yet hard yet clumpy feeling in your hair, and it’s seriously the worst. It makes you wish you would’ve just done a slicked back pony instead! But when it comes to this dry shampoo, you still have hair that you can run your hands through.
You don’t have to break the bank for good skincare products—shop these drugstore options instead!
I feel like I can speak for all of us when I say that we’ve spent too much time and too much money on products that weren’t worth either. They either irritate our skin, are too expensive, or just simply don’t work. Instead of buying an overly high-priced product, shop these drugstore options! You often get better and quicker results, and you won’t be upset that you spent a ton of money.
I hope you loved these options, and if you have any other recommendations, leave them below! I’m always looking to add to my lists (and my skincare shelf). And, if you’re looking for affordable makeup options, check out my post: Best Drugstore Makeup Under $8.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram for daily Amazon deals and try-ons! I also share a ton of the best Amazon fashion finds on my Amazon storefront.
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