31 Inexpensive Skincare Products From Target That Have Impressive 5-Star Reviews For A Reason
No matter what your skincare needs are, you'll find something to love on this highly-rated list.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream not only keeps your skin moisturized and supple, but it also helps with dullness and uneven skin tone thanks to its powerful combo of niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and Vitamin B5. No wonder it has over 600 five-star reviews!
Promising review: "I’ve only been using this product for a few days, but my skin is loving it! I had a terrible skin reaction to some nighttime products I was using. It made my skin irritated, dry and so itchy! When I switched over to just this at night, my skin was back to normal after about three days. A little goes a long way and it feels like it melts into the skin without feeling greasy. By morning my skin is still soft and feels hydrated. One of my new favorites!" — MullinsPartyof4
Price: $12
2. Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% has become *that* product for many reviewers who report dramatic results like minimized pores, improved texture, and fewer breakouts. The serum contains niacinamide, which works to improve a variety of skin concerns without causing irritation.
Promising review: "Ummmmm I’m pretty sure this stuff is magic??? I’ve been using for a few weeks now and my pores look smaller and my bumps are flatter/gone. Zero fragrance, feels good going on, good ingredients. A new product I now can’t live without. Definitely worth the price and I will be repurchasing!" —LindsR
Price: $16
3. TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face is a holy grail serum for a lot of people — over 2,600 people gave it five stars for its dark spot-fading powers. With a formula that contains not only vitamin C, but vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, it improves texture and addresses fine lines.
Promising review: "I wanted to wait a bit to try this product out before reviewing, and I'm so glad I did! I started using it just once a day and the first thing I noticed was that my face felt so soft! I couldn't stop touching it! After increasing the serum to twice a day and continuing to use it for a few weeks, I'm already noticing that my skin is brighter and my under-eye area looks brighter and rested. I'm loving the changes and will continue to use!" —Sasha
Price: $19.99
4. Soap & Glory Face Soap & Clarity 3-In-1 Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash smells divine and removes the day's dirt, gunk, and makeup. But there's more! It gently exfoliates the skin due to the presence of jojoba beads so your skin will not only feel fresh, but super soft, too.
5. Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream has won awards for packing in much-need moisture without clogging the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. Reviewers say this works just a well, if not better, than many other high-end face creams.
Promising review: "I need a really basic moisturizer that could moisturize, not cause breakouts and balance my combo, acne-prone skin. I decided to give this one a try, and it checks all those boxes. I have used mainly high-end creams, from both conventional and 'clean/organic/conscious' beauty brands. I have to say this Hydrogel has been consistently maintaining my skin's balance, and being over 40, has helped with dehydration. My skin is dewy, comfortable, and looks healthy." —Yessie
Price: $19.99
6. SLMD Skincare Salicylic Acid Cleanser was created by Dr. Pimple Popper herself, Sandra Lee, to target blackheads and acne while also improving skin texture and tone. Because it is super potent, reviewers suggest not using it every day, so alternate with a more gentle face wash.
7. Cocokind Turmeric Spot Treatment uses the power of turmeric to fight inflammation and reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. Reviewers are also impressed by how quickly it works.
Promising review: "At this point I was exhausted trying to find solutions to get rid of my dark spots from acne. I can’t believe how well it worked. I saw a difference after ONE USE. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been using it every night in my routine for the past few weeks and it’s gotten rid of deep acne marks I’ve had for years now. GET THIS!" —Tele
Price: $8.99
8. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion not only provides UVA/UVB protection when you need it (all the time) but is also water resistant and reef-safe. The coconut scent will definitely remind you of summer, but keep it in your bag all year long.
Promising review: "Love this! Not greasy at all. I put it on once for a 2.5-hour canoe trip and didn’t burn at all! It doesn’t have a super overpowering scent either like some sunscreens, and I love that this one is clean." — buckeye4life
Price: $16.49
9. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil works wonders, according to reviewers who swear by its texture-improving and acne scar-fading powers. It does contain retinol, so make sure you wear sunscreen (which is always a good idea!).
Promising review: "This oil also leaves my skin feeling fresh and supple, really hydrating. The price is wonderful for what you get — this bottle will last a long time! I really love this product and my acne has diminished significantly along with healing of my scars — would recommend to just about anyone. I attached a pic of me after using this for two weeks! It made a huge difference and has even helped with prevention of my acne. Really so grateful for this product!" —Ari
Price: $9.99
10. Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand Mini Serum may look adorable, but it packs a serious punch for its size. It exfoliates, brightens, and even color corrects. Watch out, dark spots...there's a new skincare sheriff in town.
11. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream are dark circles' worst nightmare. This eye cream contains retinol and centella asiatica to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and help fight inflammation.
Promising review: "I literally have put this on twice (at night the first day, and then in the morning) and I see a SIGNIFICANT amount of improvement in both my fine lines, and including that deep wrinkle some of us get right under our eyes. The pigmentation of my skin improved, no more bags, just amazing all around. Will definitely keep using this product with my skincare routine!" —Elli
Price: $13.29
12. I Dew Care Let's Get Sheet Faced Skincare Set comes with 14 face masks that do everything from soothing the skin, giving it a burst of hydration, brightening a tired complexion and more. Plus, the masks are made of biodegradable eucalyptus fibers and are safe enough to be used daily.
13. La Roche Posay Effaclar Face Salicylic Acid Toner Clarifying Solution is the next best thing to getting your hands on Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, the hard-to-find, luxe French exfoliating toner, that, despite smelling like garbage, has an almost mythical reputation for being a skincare gamechanger. This toner from La Roche-Posay is known to give equally impressive results, smells way better, and is less than a quarter of the cost.
Promising review: "I have large pores and oily skin with a lot of nose blackheads. After a couple weeks of using this under my moisturizer before bed I can see an improvement. I also get small breakouts maybe once a week and I haven’t had a single one since using this." —AngtheLobster
Price: $19.99
14. BYBI Strawberry Booster Facial Treatment Skin is exactly what you need when your skin needs extra help. If you're dealing with dry or flaky skin, this will add in moisture while also correcting redness, and you don't have to worry about feeling heavy or greasy either.
15. Humphreys Recharge Witch Hazel with Grapefruit Alcohol Free Toner is great for oily, acneic, and combination skin types because it helps prevent breakouts without zapping away hydration. (Old-school toners typically contained alcohol, which is known to dry out skin.)
Promising review: "I never thought an item like witch hazel could make me want to tell everyone I know, but this product is soooo good. I use it twice a day and my skin has seriously cleared up. I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin and it is clear! How is this possible? Just incorporating Humphrey’s witch hazel into my routine has made such a great difference. I just purchased two more so I won’t run out." —Blondie in AZ
Price: $10.99
16. Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub is loved by reviewers because it cleanses and exfoliates the skin without being harsh. If you're dealing with body acne, you should definitely give this a try.
17. Burt's Bees Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes removes stubborn makeup, dirty, and impurities without stripping the skin. No wonder it has 2,000 5-star reviews.
Promising review: "I have dry, acne-prone skin and these work great for me. I use the rosewater one and it smells so amazing! I don't wear too much makeup but it worked great for removing non-waterproof mascara and brow powder. Usually products like these dry out my skin and I have to apply moisturizer afterwards but I didn't have to for these." —ctalycia
Price: $4.99 (available in six formulas)
18. Versed Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator uses microcrystalline, a plant-based, biodegradable alternative to harmful microbeads, to gently exfoliate the skin. Some reviewers praise it as a maskne treatment while others say it's a fantastic drugstore dupe for Dr. Brandt's $80 Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant. Either way, sold.
Promising review: "I was looking for an exfoliator that was free of nasty stuff and also didn't have either plastic or nuts in it for the exfoliator. I love this product. It says to use it one to two times a week, and I honestly don't need it more than that. It works so well. I'd been having problem breakouts on my chin (hello masks!) and this really helped." —Cass
Price: $17.99
19. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-In-1 Brightening with Vitamin C is similar to the beloved original Garnier micellar water, in that it easily removes makeup, dirty, and impurities without drying it out. However, this one contains vitamin C for added brightening benefits.
20. Pixi By Petra Glow Peel Advanced Exfoliating Pads is a gamechanger for those who need help with texture, tone, and breakouts. If this sound like you, add this magical pads to your regimen, STAT.
21. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream is the ultimate skin savior no matter what the season. There’s a reason why this multi-purpose moisturizer gets such good reviews and is loved by everyone from Priyanka Chopra to your favorite beauty vlogger. It has botanical extracts made from organic chamomile, calendula, and wild pansy plus nourishing sunflower and sweet almond oils to help hydrate the driest skin.
Promising review: "The closest thing to Crème de la Mer that I've found. These days I can't splash out on luxury moisturizer, but honestly this stuff is amazing. They have a light version which is easier to apply but the original one is best. You emulsify it the same as Crème de la Mer, then pat it all over your face. It keeps my face looking firm and healthy! Love it!" —Tanto267
Price: $18.99
22. Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar goes above and beyond the typical cleanser. It's a 3-in-1 product that also acts as an exfoliator and a brightener, and contains key ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and licorice root. Fans of the product also say that it helps with acne while preventing scarring.
Promising review: "I’ve been using the product for a week. I have discoloration and dark patches left from chemical peels and adult acne. I have gotten my acne under control but the discoloration and dull spots are still a problem. Nine out of 10 cleansers will cause me to develop cystic acne from day one. First and foremost this cleanser did not cause a breakout and my skin even looks clearer. The dull patches and discoloration are getting lighter. I use this with the Urban Rx Complexion Protection moisturizer and it’s very lightweight and leaves my skin matte with no oiliness. Give it a try." —Tasha
Price: $12.99
23. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing Facial Treatment is an old-school product that has been called an acne holy grail due to its ability to deeply cleanse clogged pores and fight breakouts. All you have to do is mix the bentonite clay powder with apple cider vinegar and you have the ultimate pimple potion.
Promising review: "This mask is amazing. I started using it with water first and for only five minutes. I gradually increased the time and added in ACV each use. Now I keep it on for 20–25 minutes and mix it with only ACV. Your face turns red afterwards but goes away after a short while. I use it about every other week before bed. My adult acne has cleared up, discoloration and scarring are remarkably better. I wouldn’t have dreamed about going out of the house without covering up but now my skin is so much better. And the value — this tub goes a long way! I highly recommend this mask!" —Kells
Price: $7.99
24. Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner in Rose Petal is part of Thayers classic toner family, but stands out on its own as a cult favorite. While the witch hazel helps fight acne and balance skin tone, the rose petals give the skin a natural dewy glow.
25. Sweet Chef Beet + Retinol Nightly Firming Mask contains a powerful combination of skin-improving ingredients like the antioxidant beet root extract, soothing hemp seed oil, moisturizing squalane, and retinol. Sensitive skin reviewers who usually have issues with retinol products love this for making skin feel soft and rejuvenated while still remaining gentle.
Promising review: "I loved this face mask. I have had a lot of trouble introducing retinol into my routine and this formula is so gentle but does the trick. It smells wonderful and does the job at making me feel refreshed and renewed in the mornings after I have used it. I have used it twice a week since I got it and will continue incorporating it into my routine!" —lailanie
Price: $22.99
26. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser has won the hearts of everyone from celebrities (Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde and Ashleigh Murray are fans) to TikTok skinfluencers. This tried-and-true face wash contains salicylic acid to help with breakouts, while ceramides help keep skin hydrated.
Promising review: "I started using this because my dermatologist recommended it and I’m so glad I did! My skin has never been so clear or smooth. The products that I was using before were really stripping my skin, but this always leaves my face feeling clean and soft. Highly recommend!" —Sara Beth
Price: $11.99
27. Biore Deep Charcoal Oil Free Face Wash is all about that deep cleanse. It contains natural charcoal to draw out impurities and gunk stuck in your pores while reducing oiliness. Reviewers love it for treating blackheads and acne.
Promising review: "I’ve been struggling with acne for a few years now, and recently, it’s gotten a lot better. I started using this cleanser about eight months ago, and I recently repurchased it and let me tell you, my skin is sooooo smooth! Highly recommend for acne! —Target reviewer
Price: $7.29
28. Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum is a must-have if your complexion is looking dull and you're looking for an affordable treatment. The presence of licorice root adds an extra boost of brightening, kicking acne scars and dark spots to the curb.
Promising review: "I was excited to try this product. Reasonably priced and had good reviews. I’m in my late thirties and wanted to give my skin a glow. I loved the Murad vitamin C serum, but not the price. After using this product I noticed my skin tone was almost immediately better. The formula soaks up in the skin quickly." —Thirtysomethingmom
Price: $28.99
29. Milani Green Goddess Makeup Melter Cleansing Balm melts away all evidence of makeup at the end of the day, no matter how hard you went on your cat-eye. While luxe balms like Clinique Take The Day Away are also out there, you can't beat the $12 price tag. Plus, this one stands out from others as it contains the antioxidant-rich and hydrating cannabis sativa seed oil.
Promising review: "I have been trying to find a really good fragrance-free cleansing balm and this is it. It does have a light scent, but it’s natural. It hasn’t caused me to break out and really cleanses and moisturizes my skin. It even gets most of my eye and brow makeup off! Using this balm is the first step I take as I double-cleanse and use a water-based face wash after this, but I am beyond happy with my purchase and will be repurchasing for sure when mine is done. It is also more affordable than other cleansing balms." —Ash
Price: $11.99
30. Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector Face Serum is available for purchase from Target, which is a blessing for those of us who have always coveted a French-inspired skin care routine. Plus, this vitamin C serum, which targets age spots and makes skin glowy, is said to be similar to Drunk Elephant's C-Firma.
31. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Water Gel Face Moisturizer should be on your nightstand, especially if you're a fan of Tatcha Water Cream. This moisturizer is especially great for people with oily skin, as its formula is oil-free and won't weigh you down.
Promising review: "I don’t like when face creams are really thick and heavy. This formula is very lightweight but also very hydrating. Great if you have normal/dry/combo skin. I’m drier in the winter and have combination skin in the summer and have no problem using this year-round." —Kerry
Price: $19.99
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.