The best skincare brands. There is a growing interest in skincare. They have become such great gift ideas that they are a staple in many gift basket orders. You could equate the surge in skincare appeal to people’s desire for health-promoting self-care products, while also encouraging and empowering them to build routines.
As a result, the skincare industry has exploded, with there being several brands you can turn to help assist with your skin’s unique needs. However, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are the best and what are duds.
So, if you’re starting your skincare journey or skincare looking for a change, discover the five best skin care brands!
Table of Contents
Best Skincare Brands
1. Neutrogena is considered a somewhat recognizable brand
Notably For Two Good Reasons:
Neutrogena is the number one skincare product that dermatologists recommend because it uses scientifically-back ingredients in all its formulas.
You can find Neutrogena in most drugstores, making it accessible enough to help address any and every complexion concern. In addition, they specialize in skincare that targets acne anywhere, even having body wash in their line to handle it.
Their skincare is fantastic for fighting off ageing signs and making brilliant sunscreen.
Without good sunscreen, whatever skincare products you put on won’t be as effective, so consider Neutrogena for that skincare product alone!
Best For:
✔ Acne-prone skin
✔ Anti-aging starters
✔ Daily sun protection
✔ Budget-friendly routines
2. Skincare Brands Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant is a brand that took the skincare industry by storm. Despite being a newcomer, Drunk Elephant has made a name in skincare through its renowned female-led owner, Tiffany Masterson, striving for clean formulation. This brand is highly aware of the ingredients in its skincare line.
So much so that they refuse to incorporate elements like silicones, essential oils, chemical sunscreens, SLS, alcohols, and fragrances/dyes – which all are notorious for causing skin issues. Instead, they make an array of serums, masks, and other skincare products that work well for folks with sensitive skin.
If you have been having troubles with skincare products irritating your skin, it would be in your best interest to check out Drunk Elephant to help address your sensitive skin issues!
Best For:
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Clean beauty lovers
✔ People avoiding harsh chemicals
3. Cetaphil
Do you have sensitive skin yet need a more affordable option? Then consider checking out Cetaphil. The beauty behind Cetaphil is how inexpensive it is and its accessibility – you can find it in any drugstore and over 70 countries across the world!
There is a reason for that since Cetaphil’s formulas are sensitive and skin-friendly, which many dermatologists have endorsed since it came into the market in 1947. Cetaphil has proven itself as a skincare staple for decades.
With its most popular and effective skincare product being its gentle skin cleanser. If you want to guarantee a good, deep cleanse of your skin without irritation, then Cetaphil is a brand right up your alley!
Best For:
✔ Very sensitive skin
✔ Teenagers beginning skincare
✔ Budget-friendly routines
4. The Ordinary
There is nothing ordinary about the Ordinary. If anything, it should be known as extraordinary for what this brand has offered in skincare. The Ordinary came into the market in 2017 and quickly became famous for two reasons that have become its hallmark appeal.
Firstly, the Ordinary focuses on specific ingredients and their concentration. For example, they will have Hyaluronic Acid yet be conscious of labelling at 2% with B5 attention. In this way, the Ordinary stands out for its transparent ingredient specification that can address unique skincare needs.
In addition, it’s been touted for being Vegan-friendly as a result. Secondly, since the ingredients are pretty straightforward, it doesn’t cost a lot. This brand is perfect for those aware of skincare ingredients and their interactions and is incredibly affordable!
Best For:
✔ People who know ingredients
✔ Acne scars, oil control, pigmentation
✔ Affordable routines
5. La Roche Posay
Another drugstore favourite, this brand hails as a French skincare brand that offers a higher-end quality by using proven active ingredients to help get rid of stubborn skin issues. La Roche-Posay skincare products are celebrated to battle against skin conditions effectively like rosacea, eczema, acne, and sensitive skin in general.
Yet, they don’t provide just one skincare product for each situation – they offer unique lines for each type of condition. This brand is ideal for folks who constantly deal with outstanding skincare issues and have products specifically curated to help with them.
If you’re ever dealing with any form of redness from your skin. You will want to turn to La Roche-Posay to help clear it all up.
Best For
✔ Acne and redness
✔ Eczema & irritation
✔ Sensitive skin needing strong actives
Brand Reviews: What Makes Them Stand Out
Neutrogena
The reliable drugstore hero. If you want something that just works without breaking the bank, this is it. Dermatologists love it, you can grab it at any supermarket at 2 a.m., and it won’t let you down.
Standouts: Hydro Boost Water Gel (feels like splashing your face with cold water on a hot day) and the Ultra Sheer sunscreen (zero white cast, doesn’t feel like you’re wearing sunscreen).
Drunk Elephant
The “clean girl” favorite that actually lives up to the hype. They’re obsessive about leaving out the “Suspicious 6” (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, SLS), so if your skin flips out over everything, this line is usually safe territory. Pricey?
Yes. Worth it when nothing else works? Also yes. Can’t-live-without: C-Firma (vitamin C that doesn’t oxidize in two weeks) and Protini Polypeptide Cream (bouncy skin in a jar).
Cetaphil
The gentle giant. If your skin is sensitive, angry, on Accutane, or you just had a laser treatment, Cetaphil is the friend that never lets you down. Boring? Maybe. Effective and cheap?
Absolutely. Ride-or-die combo: Gentle Skin Cleanser (the one in the white bottle with the blue cap) + Moisturizing Lotion. You’ll use both until you’re 90.
The Ordinary
For people who geek out on ingredients and hate paying for fancy packaging. Everything is stupidly affordable and they literally tell you the exact percentage of each active — no guessing games.
Perfect for beginners or anyone building a routine on a budget. Cult classics: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (pore-blurring magic) and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (hydration on steroids).
La Roche-Posay
French-pharmacy royalty. If you deal with redness, rosacea, acne, or just live in a polluted city, this brand feels like it was made for you.
Everything is tested on super-sensitive skin and loaded with their famous thermal spring water. MVPs: Cicaplast Baume B5 (heals everything from dry patches to post-procedure skin) and Anthelios sunscreens (the gold standard — lightweight, elegant, no eye sting).
Skincare Brands Conclusion
Nothing boosts your confidence quite like having nice, clear skin. And with the right skin care brands, you can make your skincare journey a lot easier and get the results you’ve wanted for great, healthy-looking skin. Without good sunscreen.