Beauty

8 Highly Underrated Trader Joe’s Skincare Products

For many of us, including myself, the name of the game at Trader Joe’s is get in, grab the snacks, and get out. But did you know that beyond the rows of chips and chocolates, there is an entire section dedicated to beauty, health, and wellness products?

By Jocelin McGovern4 min read
Pexels/Ron Lach

Imagine this: I’m at Trader Joe’s looking for soup dumplings and stumble upon a shampoo. And not just any shampoo, but one that now rivals my high-end favorite. In fact, finding affordable dupes of luxury beauty products has been the case for many unsuspecting consumers at TJ’s. But why? In this official statement, Trader Joe’s actually confirmed that their private-label products are comparable to what you’d find offered by luxury brands. However, because of their no-frills designs and minimal marketing, Trader Joe’s is able to offer these beauty items at a fraction of the price. 

Here are my recommendations on which beauty dupes to add to your next Trader Joe’s grocery list and why…

Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Marula Facial Oil

For starters, this Marula Facial Oil ($7) has a surprisingly expensive look and feel, earning it a well-deserved (and permanent) spot on my vanity. It comes in a heavy, dark glass bottle with a convenient dropper, making the product feel all-around luxurious. The oil is lightweight and moisturizing, without being greasy or heavy. Known for being high in amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids, I use this product morning and night for soft, bouncy skin. I especially love wearing this under foundation for a naturally radiant look. On nights when I use my gua sha, I liberally apply this oil beforehand to create a slick surface perfect for gliding the tool across my face and neck. Plus, the morning after using this oil, my skin is absolutely glowing.

Lemongrass Coconut Body Oil

Since discovering Trader Joe's Lemongrass Coconut Body Oil ($4), it has truly been a lifesaver – but not in the way I anticipated! This oil has an incredible, natural fragrance that is fresh, light, and (of course) bursting with the smell of lemon. The scent of lemongrass, known for its uplifting and energizing properties, is a huge part of what makes this product a staple in my morning routine. While I initially intended to use this as a typical body oil, I discovered it’s perfect for an at-home lymphatic drainage massage! A stomach lymphatic drainage massage has a ton of gut health boosting benefits, including flushing out toxins, removing built-up waste, and releasing air and bloat – all essential parts of improving digestion. I’ve found that a great drainage massage starts with applying an aromatic, slippery, invigorating oil to the stomach – all of which describe this holy grail product. 

Natural Tea Tree Oil Cleansing Pads

These Natural Tea Tree Oil Cleansing Pads ($4) have quickly become a staple in my skincare routine. One pack contains 50 pads, each with a waffle-like texture (perfect for picking up dirt and oil). The pads smell intensely of tea tree oil and have a refreshing, cooling effect on the face. I often use these in lieu of face wash or for a quick refresh before I apply makeup. If you struggle with adult acne, you’ll want to give these a try as well. Dermatologists praise tea tree oil for its natural antibacterial properties, which soothe redness and calm inflammation. While these pads do contain alcohol, I haven’t noticed any dryness, likely due to the moisturizing properties of the tea tree plus the calendula oil, chamomile, ginger root extract, and more. As a bonus, I use these pads on my chest and back for clear, radiant skin all over.

Vanilla Lip Mask

This Vanilla Lip Mask ($6) is such a treat. As soon as you open it, you’re hit with a subtle vanilla scent that’s sweet and yummy. This mask has a thick consistency and goes on super smooth, adding instant moisture to the lips. Although it’s thick, it’s not sticky and adds a natural, glossy sheen when first applied. While you can use this product like a lip balm, I prefer to apply it as an overnight mask to wake up with soft, plump lips – perfect if I’m opting for that natural, no-makeup look. If I am wearing makeup, this dupe is the perfect first step in my routine. As it sits, it creates a smooth, hydrated surface ideal for applying lip gloss or lipstick afterward. From the shea butter to the coconut oil and vitamin E, this product will be a hero for my lips this winter. 

Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo and Conditioner

As someone who takes haircare very seriously, the Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo and Conditioner ($4 each) have blown me away. Made with tea tree oil, peppermint, and eucalyptus, each product has a cooling, tingling sensation when worked into the scalp that is beyond refreshing. The shampoo is thin and runny, making it easy to work with and spread throughout the hair. After washing with this, my hair always feels clean without feeling stripped of moisture. The conditioner is thick, hydrating, and makes light work of the detangling process. The scent of this line is pleasant and largely unnoticeable after rinsing. For me, the subtle fragrance is ideal because I prefer my hair products not to overpower or clash with my perfume. It’s worth noting that I have curly, thick hair, but I would recommend these salon-quality dupes to anyone who wants soft, radiant hair. 

Peppermint Multi-Purpose Castile Soap

As I increasingly work to switch to non-toxic beauty products, the Peppermint Multi-Purpose Castile Soap ($6) has become a staple for me. Made without synthetic dyes, sulfates, parabens, or phthalates, it’s been a welcome addition to my daily lineup. While it has many uses from body wash to shampoo, I’ve been loving it as a simple but effective hand soap. It’s a low lather soap, made with organic peppermint, olive, coconut, hemp, and jojoba oils that never dry out my skin. Just transfer it to a traditional soap dispenser bottle, and you’re good to go. In a pinch, I’ve also used this product to do dishes, wash fruits and veggies, and even as laundry detergent (yes, add this to your list of non-toxic household cleaning products!). Safe to say, it’s truly multipurpose and worth always having a bottle on hand. 

Lavender Salt Scrub

I truly believe that if you’re not exfoliating your entire body, you need to be. Made with super fine salt crystals and oils that melt right into the skin, this Lavender Salt Scrub ($6) is one of my favorites on the list. Generously sized at 20 ounces, this product lasts for months and is essential for a complete “everything shower.” The almond, lavender, grape seed, apricot, and avocado oils paired with the gritty salt leave my skin feeling exfoliated while simultaneously soft and radiant. Careful though – the oils will make the tub slippery once rinsed off! I especially like to use this scrub a few days before I get a wax. Pre-exfoliation helps the wax grab the hair, as opposed to the skin, making the waxing process less painful. 

Unscented Deodorant

If there’s a competition for the best non-toxic deodorant, Trader Joe’s has definitely thrown their hat into the ring with their Unscented Deodorant ($5). This dupe is not only fragrance and aluminum free but also formulated without phthalates, parabens, or baking soda. I especially love the coconut oil in this – it helps the deodorant to glide right on without feeling greasy or leaving behind a white film. It is, by far, the most sheen and invisible non-toxic deodorant I have ever tried. As an additional bonus, I haven’t noticed any irritation or skin discoloration since I’ve started wearing it. Plus, the packaging is super cute and feels really sturdy; it can definitely survive getting tossed around in a gym bag or backpack. Without fail, I’ve relied on this deodorant to run errands, hit the treadmill, and most notably, while enduring the scorching heat of the New York City subway. Your Honor, I rest my case. 

So basically, it turns out that Trader Joe’s does offer more than just snacks. Putting my love for elaborate packaging and high-end brands aside, I am consistently pleased with the beauty items I find at Trader Joe’s, and I’m excited to try more! So, next time you find yourself running low on cereal and facial oil, consider hitting your local Trader Joe’s knowing that they can definitely do both.