The 36 Drugstore Skincare Items Dermatologists Would Buy Over and Over

As much as I love my expensive skincare, I do love a good drugstore staple. When you can get an amazing moisturizer/serum/face wash/eye cream that is just as good as the pricier counterparts, why not take advantage of that? In fact, I would dare to say some of the formulas are even better than the more expensive options. Personally, I'm about 50/50 when it comes to my collection of drugstore and "designer" skincare products. I like to mix and match, and I'm always updating my rotation with new finds. For example, some days, I could use a drugstore makeup remover, daily moisturizer, and face wash but will apply a $166 vitamin C serum. It's all about balance, right?

But I understand it can get a little overwhelming when you're shopping the drugstore aisles because there are so many brands and options. To help, I polled a bunch of dermatologists and got a list of their favorite drugstore buys. Here's what they would recommend over and over.

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

Face Washes

Moisturizers

Serums

Sunscreens

Retinols and Retinoids

Treatments and Toners

Lip-Care

Body Products

Next: 10 Iconic Hair Products and Their Super-Affordable Drugstore Dupes

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.