As a mainstay of drugstore aisles everywhere, Neutrogena is that reliable friend you can always count on for effective, no-fuss skincare. It's the go-to for dermatologist-recommended cleansers, sunscreens, and acne treatments that deliver real results without making your wallet cry.
If you love Neutrogena's blend of science-backed formulas and accessible prices but are curious to see what else is out there, you're in the right place. From ultra-gentle picks for sensitive skin to ingredient-focused powerhouses, here are 18 similar brands that deserve a spot in your skincare routine.
Cetaphil is the king of gentle skincare, especially beloved by those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Their cleansers and moisturizers are famous for their simple, non-comedogenic formulas that clean and hydrate without stripping the skin. Like Neutrogena, Cetaphil is highly recommended by dermatologists and super affordable, but its primary focus is on being as mild and hypoallergenic as possible. If your skin is reactive, this is a can't-miss alternative.
Shop now at cetaphil.com
Think of La Roche-Posay as Neutrogena's chic French cousin. This brand is a staple in European pharmacies for its dermatologist-backed solutions for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Their formulas often feature mineral-rich thermal spring water to calm and protect. While it shares the dermatologist-trusted reputation with Neutrogena, La Roche-Posay's products feel slightly more advanced, with a price point to match (typically $15-$40).
Shop now at laroche-posay.us
Famous for harnessing the soothing power of colloidal oatmeal, Aveeno specializes in comforting care for dry or sensitive skin. Their gentle cleansers, rich moisturizers, and calming lotions are perfect for everyday hydration. Aveeno shares Neutrogena's accessibility and drugstore price point but sets itself apart with a focus on nourishing, nature-inspired ingredients that are perfect for maintaining a happy, healthy skin barrier.
Shop now at aveeno.com
For those with extremely sensitive, reactive, or allergy-prone skin, Vanicream is a holy grail. Their entire lineup is free from common irritants like dyes, fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde. While Neutrogena has gentle options, Vanicream takes it to the next level with its laser focus on creating the simplest, most allergy-friendly formulas possible, all while remaining affordable and dermatologist-approved.
Shop now at vanicream.com
Eucerin is a powerful ally against seriously dry skin, eczema, and other moisture-related concerns. Developed by dermatologists, their products focus on intense hydration and repairing the skin's barrier with rich creams and targeted treatments. Eucerin is in the same price range as Neutrogena but leans more heavily into medicated, therapeutic formulas for tackling specific, more severe skin conditions.
Shop now at eucerinus.com
As the name suggests, Simple is all about clean, uncomplicated skincare. The UK-based brand creates products for sensitive skin that are free from artificial fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. If you love Neutrogena’s straightforward approach but want an even more minimalist ingredient list, Simple is a fantastic and budget-friendly choice for reliable daily essentials.
Shop now at simple.co.uk
CeraVe has exploded in popularity for one key reason: ceramides. Every product is formulated with these essential lipids to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Just like Neutrogena, it's affordable, effective, and loved by dermatologists. The key difference is CeraVe's singular focus on barrier repair, making it a go-to for anyone with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.
Shop now at cerave.com
Another beloved French pharmacy brand, Bioderma is known for its dermatologist-backed micellar waters and gentle skincare for reactive skin types. Their formulas feel a touch more luxe than standard drugstore fare but are incredibly effective at cleansing and calming irritation. Think of it as a step up from Neutrogena if you're looking for that certain "je ne sais quoi" in your sensitive skin solutions.
Shop now at bioderma.us
If you love the science-backed side of Neutrogena but want to get more hands-on with specific ingredients, meet The Ordinary. This brand strips skincare down to its most effective, potent components (like Niacinamide, Retinol, and Vitamin C) and sells them at shockingly low prices. It's less about all-in-one solutions and more about giving you the building blocks to create a highly personalized and affordable routine.
Shop now at theordinary.com
Paula's Choice is famous for its commitment to science, research, and formula transparency - no hype, just ingredients that work. They offer cleansers, moisturizers, and a wildly popular range of BHA/AHA exfoliants for concerns like acne and aging. The brand is similar to Neutrogena in its clinical-first approach but stands out for its powerful leave-on exfoliants and highly targeted treatments.
Shop now at paulaschoice.com
Powered by mineralizing volcanic water from France, Vichy offers skincare solutions that strengthen the skin barrier while targeting concerns like hydration, acne, and aging. Known for bestsellers like the Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Vichy sits alongside brands like La Roche-Posay as an elevated, dermatologist-backed pharmacy brand. It offers a slightly more luxurious feel than Neutrogena but delivers the same level of trusted efficacy.
Shop now at vichyusa.com
Before many other brands were doing it, Clinique built its empire on dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, and 100% fragrance-free products. Their iconic 3-Step System and Moisture Surge moisturizer are staples for a reason. Clinique shares Neutrogena's focus on clinical results but lives in the department store world, offering a more polished, premium experience for those with sensitive skin.
Shop now at clinique.com
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. Vaseline is the ultimate heritage brand for basic hydration and skin protection. While Neutrogena offers complex formulas for specific concerns, Vaseline excels at slugging, healing cracked skin, and providing a no-frills protective barrier. Their products are incredibly affordable and perfect for anyone needing straightforward, heavy-duty moisture relief.
Shop now at vaseline.com
Known for its simple packaging and gentle, botanically-infused formulas, Mario Badescu offers a unique blend of science and nature. The brand is famous for its Drying Lotion, which zaps pimples overnight, as well as its popular facial sprays. Price-wise, it’s comparable to Neutrogena but appeals to those who enjoy a more spa-like, ingredients-from-the-earth feel in their skincare routine.
Shop now at mariobadescu.com
As a beauty giant, L’Oréal Paris brings serious research and development to the drugstore skincare aisle. Their product lines, like Revitalift and Hydra Genius, often feature powerful ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid at very accessible prices. Like Neutrogena, L’Oréal offers a wide variety of products, but it stands out for making advanced anti-aging technology available to the masses.
Shop now at lorealparisusa.com
Similar to The Ordinary, The Inkey List aims to demystify skincare by offering single-ingredient-focused products at amazing prices. Their goal is education, helping you understand what ingredients do so you can build a routine that works for you. If you're drawn to Neutrogena's clinical vibe but want to cherry-pick potent actives like Salicylic Acid or Q10, The Inkey List is your new playground.
Shop now at theinkeylist.com
First Aid Beauty (FAB) creates problem-solving skincare solutions that are safe for sensitive skin. Their famous Ultra Repair Cream provides intense hydration for dry, distressed skin and eczema. FAB feels a bit more modern and elevated than Neutrogena but shares the same commitment to effective, clean formulas that deliver soothing relief where you need it most.
Shop now at fabskin.com
If you're ready to make a serious investment in your skincare, SkinCeuticals is the goal. This professional-grade brand is a favorite of dermatologists for its powerful, high-potency antioxidant serums, particularly the legendary C E Ferulic. While it's in a completely different price universe than Neutrogena, it represents the luxury tier of science-backed, results-driven skincare that gets its start in the same ethos: proven efficacy.
Shop now at skinceuticals.com
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