While specialized grooming products often steal the spotlight, it’s easy to overlook the OGs—the best drugstore skin care brands we used to come across during late-night Target runs or while refilling our regular prescriptions. Truthfully, some of the best grooming lines are there in Aisle 9, neatly laid out for you to pop in your cart next to paper towels and dish soap. Being mass-market doesn’t mean they lack efficacy—quite the opposite, in fact.
Some brands have mastered their formulas over the decades, while others are at the forefront of innovation. Some focus on natural solutions, while others specialize in specific areas like face washes or moisturizers. The common thread? These brands get the job done.
The variety can be overwhelming, so we compiled some of our favorite brands from retailers ranging from Target to CVS, Walgreens to Walmart, and, of course, Amazon. Whether you’re grabbing a last-minute deodorant or new drugstore skin care products to add to your routine, don’t sleep on these brands.
The Best Drugstore Skin Care Brands, According to GQ
The Stalwarts
Some brands are household names for a reason—they’ve been pioneers in the grooming space, with decades of expertise in crafting standout skin care products. Many have successfully launched men-specific lines, while others have refined their time-tested formulas. These brands are anything but boring, and they shouldn’t be overlooked—they’ve been honing their craft long before most of us even thought about skin care routines. They’ve earned a place in your medicine cabinet, and if you’re in a pinch, they’re a no-brainer.
When Dove launched the Dove Men+Care line over a decade ago, it coincided with the rise of men’s grooming products, as guys sought options tailored to them. Dove Men+Care quickly became a grooming go-to by combining dermatologist-recommended ingredients (cue the 90s commercials) into effective skin cleaners, haircare, and deodorants. I’ve been using their new all-over deodorant (all-over deos are having a moment), and it’s pretty impressive. It prevents odor, applies smoothly without residue, and features natural ingredients like arrowroot—all while being free of parabens. Their cold-pressed soap bars are another standout: plant-based, great-smelling, and easy-lathering. By blending clinical-grade ingredients with natural elements, Dove Men+Care creates grooming essentials that are both effective and accessible.
Most folks reading this will already be familiar with Neutrogena. With over 90 years as a drugstore staple, their science-backed skin care combines clinical efficacy with sleek, no-nonsense packaging—a winning formula that has stood the test of time. While their range caters to all skin types, they truly shine in their skin care lineup. Like so many youths, teens with acne-prone skin probably turned to Neutrogena to control breakouts, especially through the aid of salicylic acid. There’s an inherent consistent quality across the board, from sunscreens and serums to creams, cleansers, retinols, 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—grooming democratization at its finest. Neutrogena is known for their gender-inclusivity, so everyone in your household can appreciate having a serum or cleanser 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 80s Volkswagen-inspired packaging) eventually evolved into Nivea Men, and it has since become a staple in countless guys’ medicine cabinets. Nivea Men focuses mainly on skin care, body washes, lotions, and shave creams. I use their Sensitive Face & Beard Moisture Gel and can attest that it lathers better than many products at half the price. For 40% of men with sensitive skin, Nivea Men also offers a specially formulated line with a face wash, gel, balm, and lotion. And with a new face care line launching in 2025, this grooming stalwart shows no signs of slowing down—just helping men get their anti-aging skin care routine in check.
There’s a reason Old Spice has consistently been a top-selling antiperspirant and deodorant brand. They have 85 years of experience, and most guys know their Original, Classic Sport, as well as newer scents like Fiji, but it’s not just deodorants—they’ve got cleansers, shampoos, and hair stylers, and their body wash was the first mass-market wash made specifically for men. There’s serious history here, and they keep innovating with new, on-trend products, like their all-over Total Body Deodorant. We’re not saying you should replace all your grooming products with Old Spice, but don’t sleep on their effectiveness and no-nonsense approach when you need a solid body wash or deodorant.
Aveeno has mastered body lotions, and its signature lies in its pioneering work with oat science, a godsend for those with dry skin or eczema. Through clinical studies, Aveeno found the benefits of oats: their soothing properties, support for a healthy skin microbiome, and strength of the moisture barrier. But Aveeno is much more than just body lotion. They also offer a range of effective moisturizers, cleansers, and body washes. Their latest launch, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream, is perfect for when your skin needs deeper hydration—especially as we head into the colder fall and winter months.
The Innovators
While many grooming pioneers are also innovators, the brands below build on those that paved the way, creating something distinct. Some specialize in areas like shaving or face wash, while others leverage science and proprietary ingredients to push skin care forward. Regardless of their approach, each brand excels in its own way, whether within a niche or across a broader spectrum. Any would be a foolproof choice to elevate your grooming routine.
La Roche-Posay might sound a little too premium, but unlike some other marketing-heavy brands, La Roche-Posay walks the walk. Their Thermal Spring Water—sourced from the brand’s Center in France—is a core ingredient in many of their formulas and is renowned for its soothing, antioxidant properties. La Roche-Posay is all about scientific advancement and proprietary ingredients, and while their face washes, serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers are favorites, they are also innovative. Their MelaB3 Cleanser uses Melasyl, an exclusive ingredient, to treat discoloration and dark spots. All their Anthelios sunscreens incorporate Cell-Ox technology, an antioxidant that protects from free radicals caused by UV rays. But don’t let the science intimidate you—the elevated 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 Hydrating Facial Cleanser—some of their best-sellers today. They have since become a standard for face washes with efficacy, affordability, and accessibility in their DNA. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe has adhered to a formula-first philosophy, prioritizing effective active ingredients—like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides—at an affordable price over flashy, luxury packaging. The brand’s signature ingredient is three essential ceramides, which help lock moisture in, keep irritants out, and maintain the skin’s natural barrier—all of which form the basis for plenty of products that promise “anti-aging” effects (but cost significantly more). Beyond face washes, they know moisturizers, with products for oil control, skin-renewing, and SPF 30 and 50 variations, as well as eye creams. In short, CeraVe has a moisturizer or face wash for whatever your skin type.
What began as a simple cleansing solution over 75 years ago has evolved into a staple face wash that has definitely graced the sink of someone you know. Cetaphil is renowned for its sensitive skin and gentle cleansing formulations that moisturize without over-stripping. The sheer variety of specialized skin care they offer can be dizzying: oil-removing, fragrance-free, redness relief, foaming, exfoliating, and makeup-removing—the list goes on, but essentially, they have a cleanser or cream for every skin type. Cetaphil also has solid lotions, serums, and underrated hand and body balms. For facial cleansing and skin health, Cetaphil embodies “dermatologist recommended”—after all, they helped develop it.
Method started with cleaning products—sprays and cleaners free from toxic ingredients—with a natural focus. They were wildly successful, and now, it’s hard to see Method’s 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 practical, just like the brand itself. The men’s line isn’t too extensive—mainly body wash, shampoo, and deodorant—but for the sustainability-conscious guy who values simplicity, these are understated yet effective grooming products to add to your rotation.
Like other brands on this list have their forte, perhaps no other mass-market brand has transformed the deodorant game quite like Native. You’ve likely seen their deo sticks at Target or Walgreens, with the distinct packaging and varying color typefaces noting the scent. Native was one of the first to break away from the chemical-laden, generic-smelling formulas of traditional deodorants, putting thought into their fragrances—some even close to having scent pyramids. Think sea salt and cedar, black oak and amber, citrus and herbal musk. This brand makes you feel good about applying deodorant, too. They’re transparent about their minimal ingredients and offer some plastic-free packaging. Native has since expanded into body wash, shampoo, and even sunscreen, and they’ve recently launched an all-over body deodorant line.
The Niche New Kids on the Block
The explosion in the men’s grooming market has ushered in a new wave of guy-specific brands. You’ve likely noticed them in Target, where the grooming aisle was once a sea of sameness; it’s now a sea of specialization. Many men seek originality and quality in their skin care just as much as they do in their clothing, and these brands are a direct response—not just with packaging and accessible pricing, but with results. While these newer brands may lack the history of established names, they bring a sense of uniqueness—and they’re effective.
Since launching in 2011, Duke Cannon has steadily built a loyal community. It all started with the Big Ass Brick of Soap, with many guys swearing by the hefty cleansing bar that seemingly lasts forever, lathers exceptionally well, and comes in a range of great-smelling scents. Duke Cannon embraces a no-frills, rugged masculinity, making even the most skin care-hesitant guys feel comfortable stepping up their grooming game. But it’s not just about soap: Duke Cannon has since expanded its lineup to include body and face washes, shaving creams, hand lotions, lip balms, and even colognes.
When Harry’s first hit the scene, most guys didn’t think much about their shaving routine—just a can of Barbasol and a disposable razor waiting for action. Harry’s brought a much-needed upgrade while remaining an affordable experience. They changed the shaving game with better creams, balms, gels, and sleek, cult-classic handles—far from the usual over-engineered, race-car-inspired razors cluttering the shelves. These products brought a sense of style and simplicity to your sink, protecting the skin barrier and tackling even the most stubborn facial hair. But Harry’s hasn’t stopped at shaving; they’ve expanded into skin, body, and hair care with items like cooling eye sticks and lip balms, though shaving remains their signature offering. When in doubt, look for the blue packaging—it’s hard to miss.
With its distinct wood paneling packaging, Every Man Jack has become a Target mainstay, offering an approachable yet 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 new all-over body deo, with naturally derived ingredients. Having covered colognes for much of my career, Every Man Jack delivers impressive scents, from cedarwood to sandalwood to sea salt, now what might expect from a grooming line. EMJ also cares about sustainability. They’ve committed to using 100% sustainable packaging by 2025, utilizing recycled materials and refillable options. So, you can feel good about using them too, Jack.
We know—another celebrity trying to capitalize on the men’s grooming market. But The Rock’s grooming line is exceptional, hard-working, and authentic, just like the man himself. Crafted over three years, the line was developed in collaboration with high-end fragrance house DSM-Firmenich to produce scents like Sandalwood Suede, Lush Coconut, and Cedar Sport. Papatui has everything from facial cleansers and toners to eye gels, lotions, antiperspirants, and my favorite—the body cleansing bar, which is paraben-free, vegan, and leaves my skin feeling almost exfoliated. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a tattoo balm to help hydrate and protect fresh ink, because it’s The Rock, and we’d expect nothing less.
Jack Black might be the most niche brand on this list, available at retailers like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, Target, Sephora, and Amazon. When Jack Black entered the grooming scene 20 years ago, few lines were made for or spoke directly to men, so they created one—and that was just the beginning. Their lip balm, in its signature cobalt blue tube, became the go-to choice for folks everywhere, making lip balm a flex—a departure from the basic Chapstick. Since then, they’ve expanded into a complete skin care line, offering everything from vitamin C serums and deodorants to cleansers, scrubs, and shampoos to wake up feeling refreshed. And, of course, they continue to release new, and sometimes limited, iterations of their now-classic lip balm.
