When it comes to skincare, Target has become a top destination for savvy shoppers looking for effective products at affordable prices. The retail giant has significantly expanded its beauty offerings in recent years and now stocks an impressive array of skincare brands and products for all skin types, concerns, and budgets. According to a report from Coresight Research, Target‘s beauty category has seen double-digit growth annually since 2017, outpacing the overall market.
One brand that has gained a massive following among skincare enthusiasts in recent years is The Ordinary. Known for its single-ingredient-driven products, minimal packaging, and shockingly low prices, The Ordinary has disrupted the industry and made effective skincare more accessible to the masses. As a result, many Target shoppers wonder if they can find this coveted brand among the retailer‘s skincare assortment.
Does Target Sell The Ordinary?
Currently, Target does not sell any products from The Ordinary skincare line, either in stores or online at Target.com. Despite the brand‘s immense popularity and affordable price points that align well with Target‘s positioning, The Ordinary has not yet expanded its retail distribution to include Target.
The Ordinary‘s parent company, DECIEM, controls the brand‘s distribution and has been selective about its retail partnerships. DECIEM‘s website states that this is a deliberate choice, as the company is "committed to making our products as accessible as possible through our own stores and website, and through our authorized retail partners."
While you won‘t find The Ordinary at Target, the retailer offers a comprehensive selection of other affordable and effective skincare brands, many of which offer similar ingredients and benefits at comparable price points. Whether you‘re looking for a basic routine or targeting specific skin concerns, you can absolutely curate an effective skincare regimen with Target‘s offerings.
Target Skincare Brands to Try
One of the biggest reasons to shop for skincare at Target is the impressive range of brands available. You‘ll find a mix of premium and drugstore brands, including many dermatologist-recommended lines. Some of the most popular skincare brands carried at Target include:
| Brand | Known For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| CeraVe | Gentle, non-irritating formulas for all skin types | $5 – $30 |
| La Roche-Posay | French pharmacy skincare for sensitive skin | $15 – $50 |
| Olay | Affordable anti-aging and hydrating skincare | $5 – $50 |
| Neutrogena | Dermatologist-developed products for various skin concerns | $5 – $35 |
| Differin | OTC retinoid treatment for acne | $10 – $30 |
| Pixi | Glow-boosting and natural skincare | $6 – $35 |
In addition to these established brands, Target has launched several of its own exclusive brands in the skincare category. These include Versed, a clean and affordable skincare line; Goodfellow & Co, a men‘s grooming brand; and Kristin Ess, a haircare line developed by a celebrity stylist. By partnering with experts and focusing on clean, effective formulas, Target‘s in-house brands offer excellent value for the price.
The Ordinary Alternatives at Target
If you‘re looking for skincare products similar to The Ordinary in terms of ingredients, simplicity, and price point, Target has some great options to consider.
One of the closest alternatives is The Inkey List, a brand that shares The Ordinary‘s approach of offering targeted treatments and single ingredients. In fact, many of The Inkey List‘s products are considered direct dupes for popular items from The Ordinary. For example:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($5.90) vs. The Inkey List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum ($7.99)
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($6.80) vs. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($7.99)
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($8.70) vs. The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Liquid Toner ($10.99)
Another budget-friendly brand to check out at Target is Good Molecules. Started by a former product developer at The Ordinary‘s parent company, Good Molecules offers simple, highly effective formulas featuring proven ingredients. Some standout products include the Niacinamide Brightening Toner ($14), Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($6), and Overnight Exfoliating Treatment ($6).
For those interested in clean beauty, Target‘s Versed line is a great option. Versed products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without over 1,300 common toxins and irritants. The brand has a similar ethos to The Ordinary in terms of offering no-fuss, results-driven skincare at accessible prices. Hero products include the Just Breathe Clarifying Serum ($19.99), Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream ($14.99), and Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution ($17.99).
Benefits of Shopping Target for Skincare
While Target may not carry The Ordinary, there are still plenty of compelling reasons to shop the retailer for your skincare needs:
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Convenience: With over 1,800 stores across the US and a robust online presence, Target makes it easy to shop for skincare whenever and however you want. You can easily browse products in-store, pick them up curbside, or have them shipped to your home.
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Affordable prices: Target is known for offering premium-quality products at affordable, drugstore prices. The retailer frequently runs sales and promotions that allow you to save even more on your favorite skincare items.
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Generous return policy: If a skincare product doesn‘t work for you, Target allows you to return it within 90 days for a full refund or exchange, even if it‘s been opened. For Target-owned brands, you have up to a year to make a return. This gives you the freedom to experiment and find the products that work best for your skin without wasting money.
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Clean beauty standards: In recent years, Target has expanded its "Target Clean" category, which highlights products formulated without potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates, propyl-parabens, and sodium laureth sulfate. With increasing consumer demand for clean beauty, Target makes it easy to find products that meet your standards.
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Expert and peer advice: In addition to trained beauty consultants in select stores, Target offers free access to online resources like Target Beauty Studio, which features tutorials, product recommendations, and expert tips to help you build a skincare routine tailored to your needs. Target.com also allows shoppers to leave detailed reviews and ratings on products, so you can get honest feedback from real people before making a purchase.
Building a Complete Skincare Routine with Target Products
While skincare routines can vary based on individual needs and preferences, most experts recommend including these basic steps:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Using all Target skincare products, here are some suggestions for each step:
Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($12.99) – A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin. Ideal for normal to dry skin.
Toner: Pixi Glow Tonic ($15) – This cult-favorite toner contains 5% glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin, along with soothing aloe vera and hydrating glycerin. Suitable for all skin types.
Serum: Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum ($19.99) – Formulated with niacinamide and zinc, this lightweight serum helps calm breakouts, control oil, and minimize pores. Great for oily and acne-prone skin.
Eye Cream: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes($46.99) – This dermatologist-tested eye cream features pure retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles and firm the delicate under-eye area. Safe for sensitive skin.
Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($25.49) – A top-selling anti-aging moisturizer that hydrates, plumps, and firms the skin with a blend of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and amino peptides. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55 ($7.99) – Daily sun protection is a must for preventing premature aging and damage. This lightweight, oil-free formula is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and won‘t clog pores.
No matter your skin type or concerns, Target offers high-quality products for every step of your skincare routine at budget-friendly price points. By reading labels carefully, patch testing new products, and listening to your skin, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
While Target doesn‘t sell products from The Ordinary skincare line, the retailer still offers an unparalleled selection of effective and affordable skincare products for all skin types and budgets. With a curated assortment of notable skincare brands, including many affordable alternatives to The Ordinary‘s most popular products, Target is a one-stop-shop for building a complete, targeted skincare routine.
By offering a diverse array of products, clean beauty options, expert advice, and a commitment to quality and value, Target has positioned itself as a leading destination for skincare shoppers. Whether you prefer to shop in-store or online, Target‘s skincare selection is sure to have something for everyone. And with the retailer‘s generous return policy, you can shop with confidence and find the products that work best for your unique skin needs.
