Drugstore Skincare You Should Know

There are two things I want to start this blog off by saying. First, one of my biggest pet peeves is hearing creators only promote expensive skincare. The second is that I will never deny my love for an occasional bougie product, but my love for budget-friendly skincare is just as strong.  I want this blog to remind you that an effective skincare routine doesn’t need to cost the same as your rent.

This blog is dedicated to the products I personally use (and recommend to patients all the time) that are sitting right on the shelves of your local drugstore. It should be noted that if I listed every skincare product I love from the drugstore, this blog would be 20 pages long, so we are going to keep it simple with my top 8. However, you can take a peek at my full drugstore holy grail list here!

1. Pretty Much Every Naturium Launch (But Especially These Two)

• Can we all just agree that Naturium is one of the best things to happen to drugstore skincare in the last few years?? They’ve managed to strike that sweet spot of clinical efficacy and affordable pricing. If I had to narrow it down to my top 2 skincare products, it would for sure be there

  • Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05% – Retinaldehyde is a vitamin A derivative that sits a step above retinol in strength but is often better tolerated. This formula is beautifully buffered with soothing ingredients and has been such a great option for those who want visible results without peeling or irritation. I am not even exaggerating with you guys when I say I use this one constantly.

  Pro Tip: If you already use retinaldehyde and are ready to notch it up, they just came out with Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.15% and it’s SO good!

  • Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm – I will go to my grave talking about how much I love a double cleanse. It’s the only way to make sure you remove everything (aka makeup and spf) while thoroughly cleansing your skin. When it comes to cleansing balms, this one is at the top of my list every time. Removes everything, the finish is amazing, she's perfect. 

  My discount code for the whole Naturium site is AMYK15

  2. La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum

  I’ve brought this one up a couple times in blogs (but for good reason). This serum is formulated with Melasyl (a proprietary ingredient targeting discoloration) and niacinamide. I first found out about it in a podcast episode with Dr. Heather Woolery. After hearing her talk about the before/after photos from her patients who were struggling with hyperpigmentation, I was sold. If you’re dealing with dark spots, especially post-acne marks or melasma, this one is worth adding to your routine.
  

  3. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

  This is one of those products that deserves its placement as an all time-favorite.  I find it to be one of the most well-tolerated cleansers on the market, and it’s often where I start for patients with sensitive, compromised, or post-procedure skin. The formula contains niacinamide and panthenol for added hydration and barrier repair. I always say: there’s no point in using actives if your cleanser is causing irritation. This one is the definition of safe and effective.
  

  4. Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Ointment

  You probably know I’m a massive slugging fan. While you can absolutely use Vaseline (and I still do often), this formula from Prequel feels like slugging 2.0. It’s still petrolatum-based (like Vaseline), but what sets it apart is the addition of ceramides and other barrier-repairing ingredients. It’s like giving your skin a clinically backed blanket while locking in moisture. I use it on dry patches, as a buffer before retinoids, or as a form of slugging 2.0 (especially during dry and cold months). This is also going to make for the best lip treatment you’ve ever used!
  

  5. Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%)

  Can I just start off by saying how cool it is that this was once a prescription-only retinoid—and now you can literally get it at Target. Differin (adapalene) is one of my top recommendations for acne-prone skin and one of the most studied retinoids for reducing breakouts, preventing new ones, and improving skin texture over time. I often recommend easing in slowly (a few nights a week) and layering a moisturizer underneath if you’re sensitive.
  

  6. PanOxyl Creamy Benzoyl Peroxide Wash (4%)

  I’ve mentioned this before, but one of my favorite ways to gently "exfoliate" the skin is via an active cleanser in the morning. You can absolutely use a benzoyl peroxide or a salicylic acid wash, but I tend to reach for a benzoyl peroxide wash more often. There are a few I use in rotation, but this creamy version is my favorite. It contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, which is highly effective at killing acne-causing bacteria without being overly drying. Make sure to sit on the skin for 60 seconds before washing off!

  Pro Tip: If you struggle with body acne, I love using this on my body as well! 
  

  7. Vaseline Jelly Stick

  Like I mentioned before, I love my Prequel Skin Ointment, but that absolutely does not mean there isn’t a place for Vaseline. I pretty much never travel without one of these. Vaseline and prequel are two of the only masks I use on my lips at night. I also love to use it as a final layer on my hands, feet and elbows before bed.
  

  8. The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

  This is one of the most potent retinal options you’ll find at this price point—and it performs. I always caution my patients that retinal is stronger than traditional retinol, so go slow if you’re new. That said, this formula is thoughtfully made and can truly deliver results!

If you take anything from this blog, I hope that it’s a reminder that skincare products do not need to be expensive! Simple and affordable can be SO effective, believe me. Truth be told, I normally find that the individuals who are religious to only expensive products, don’t get the results they desire! Got questions? Send me a DM or leave a comment! Also, if you are ready to level things up, take a peek at my new Skincare Guide!

xx Amy

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and may contain products gifted in PR. This means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase via these links at no additional cost to you (thank you! It helps me keep things up and running)… As always I ONLY recommend products, goods and services that I stand behind and personally love and use.