I've Been Using This Drugstore Brand for Over 20 Years—Here Are My Picks

There are a handful of skincare and makeup brands that I've been using since I started even caring about that stuff in middle school. Clinique was my first OG makeup and skincare brand and I still use many of its products to this day (the BB cream is a holy-grail find for me). You'll also still find Maybelline, Covergirl, and Urban Decay makeup in my vanity. And of course, I've been a Neutrogena stan since I was 13, and now I'm 33, so that means I've had a 20-year relationship with the beloved skincare brand.

Neutrogena products just work, you know? My favorites are tried and tested and I've never really had any bad reactions to them—and this is coming from someone whose skin veers on the sensitive side. Even though I'm older now and have a comfy skincare budget, you'll still find my favorite Neutrogena products nestled amongst the pricier moisturizers, serums, retinols, etc. It's all about balance!

While my number one reason for loving Neutrogena products is that they're just very dependable, I also love that its offerings run the gamut when it comes to skin types and needs. I have a lot of ups and downs with my dry skin, and the brand's Hydro Boost products never fail me and always seem to rescue my skin when it's seriously dehydrated.

I personally don't deal with acne and breakouts that much, but the brand has a ton of effective treatments for that. And there are even makeup options that are hypoallergenic and are so good for that no-makeup makeup, effortless look everyone loves these days.

Seriously, I could go on and on about my love for the brand, but we could be here all day (this is not an ad, BTW). So I've highlighted some of my favorite products below, plus more highly rated options from readers and editors below.

My Favorite Neutrogena Products

This is my absolute favorite Neutrogena product of all time. My thirsty skin is always saved when I apply this refreshing gel formula that's infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid.

I'm pretty sure I've been using some variation of this makeup remover for the past 20 years. It's so good at getting off stubborn makeup but not stripping the skin.

The first time I tried this serum was when I was vacationing in Thailand and was dealing with super-dry and irritated skin. I think it was a result of being on planes and getting too much sun. Luckily, I found this at a drugstore and slathered it on. In a few days, my skin was back to normal. And now I continue to stock up on this product for my everyday rotation.

My mom and I love this everyday sunscreen. It doesn't feel greasy or oily at all, so you'll feel comfortable and your skin doesn't get a weird shiny look. It's fast-absorbing and I think it works really well under makeup.

A lot of face cleansers can leave the skin dry, but not this one. The creamy formula is specially made for skin that's dry, sensitive, acne, eczema, or rosacea. 

Thankfully, I don't have to deal with breakouts that often, but I keep this on hand for the times that a pimple might pop up. The spot treatment doesn't irritate my skin yet it always manages to shrink my pimples overnight.

More Neutrogena Products to Shop

This rich cream is enriched with pure retinol to target wrinkles, dullness, and dark spots. It will also leave the skin and neck hydrated and rejuvenated.

Okay, this tinted moisturizer pretty much does it all. Not only does it even the skin tone and texture, but it also provides SPF protection and has anti-aging benefits thanks to retinol, antioxidants, and vitamins.

The tingly feeling this gel scrub gives off will make you feel so refreshed and clean after using it. The product contains gentle exfoliators to get rid of dirt, oil, and bacteria.

If you're dealing with dark spots and discoloration, try this correcting facial serum that contains retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.

Made with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, this treatment works to reduce the size and redness of pimples fast. Benzoyl peroxide is known as a powerful acne-fighting ingredient that can kill acne-causing bacteria.

I used to write off body oils as a greasy mess, but that was before I actually used one. Body oils are so ultra-hydrating and smoothing and the best ones absorb quickly. This one from Neutrogena is also fast-working and delivers a healthy-looking glow.

Not only does this facial cleanser clear breakouts, but it also reduces redness thanks to aloe and chamomile. The formula contains salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

Of course, Neutrogena's foundation would have skin benefits, too. The liquid foundation is enriched with hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moisturized for up to 24 hours.

These serum capsules contain 20% pure vitamin C to brighten and even skin tone. And you don't have to worry about waste—the capsules themselves are derived from seaweed and are biodegradable in water.

This daily moisturizer just has it all: Sunscreen, provitamin B5, vitamin A, vitamin E, and retinol. It protects against fine lines, wrinkles, and harmful UV rays, while also hydrating the skin.

Another product in the Hydro Boost line, this gel cleanser is lightweight but still powerful at rinsing off dirt, oil, bacteria, and makeup. It contains hyaluronic acid for a moisturizing burst.

This lip product is basically a lipstick, lipgloss, and lip balm all in one. The hyaluronic acid in the formula ensures that your lips will be hydrated for up to 24 hours.

Since this toner is alcohol-free, it won't cause any irritation or dry out the skin. It works to purify the skin and unclog pores for a deeper clean.

Say goodbye to dry and cracked hands thanks to this ultra-rich hand lotion. The fragrance-free formula has concentrated levels of glycerin to soothe rough skin—and just a little bit goes a long way when it comes to application.

Next, The 36 Drugstore Skincare Items Dermatologists Would Buy Over and Over