As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products.

As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products.

      Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series that highlights the often-overlooked and underrated beauty products found in drugstores, which are trusted by industry professionals. We are reaching out to editors, content creators, and celebrities to share their preferred affordable yet effective recommendations. Prepare to discover the finest in drugstore beauty!

      Having spent nearly a decade in the beauty field, I've had the privilege of interviewing numerous aestheticians and dermatologists. These conversations have provided me with valuable tips and tricks that have significantly enhanced my skin. I know which ingredients target my specific concerns, like rose-hip oil for inflammation and hypochlorous acid for breakouts. I'm aware of the essential skincare items (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and retinol) and those that aren't really necessary (looking at you, pore strips). I also realize that effective, uncomplicated skincare products are available at drugstores.

      Many of my favorite tips come from the same skincare expert. Allow me to introduce Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, Canada. She genuinely believes in the effectiveness of drugstore products and regularly recommends them to her patients seeking affordable, efficient skincare options. Curious about her favorites, I asked, and she shared them with me. Below, Dr. Yadav lists her top five drugstore skincare products, ranging from a gentle exfoliating cleanser to an underrated sunscreen and more.

      How frequently do you suggest drugstore skincare products to your patients?

      "Often! Drugstore products are very accessible—convenient to purchase and budget-friendly—which encourages patients to try and adhere to them. Encouraging patients to establish and maintain a skincare routine can be challenging, so simplifying the process by recommending accessible products can make a significant difference."

      What would you say to someone who believes drugstore products can't compete with luxury ones?

      "Luxury products can certainly be excellent, but effective skincare doesn't have to come with a high price. It's important to note that most drugstore brands are part of large global corporations that can invest significantly in research and development and produce products in much larger volumes than smaller luxury brands. This often allows drugstore products to include advanced ingredient technology that has been extensively researched and, due to mass production, is priced more affordably. Additionally, these global companies often own both luxury and mass-market brands, frequently sharing innovations between them, allowing you access to luxury technology at lower prices."

      Do you have any advice for navigating the drugstore skincare aisle? It can be quite overwhelming!

      "Do your research beforehand and break down your shopping list into smaller, more manageable categories. For example, if you have acne-prone skin and are on the lookout for a new cleanser, focus on beneficial ingredients and textures, such as salicylic acid and gel or foaming cleansers, which effectively remove excess oil compared to creamier options. This approach will help narrow down your choices significantly."

      Dr. Yadav's Favorite Drugstore Products

      **Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser**

      "This foaming cleanser effectively eliminates makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and dead skin cells without stripping the skin. It’s gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin. The formula includes AHA mandelic acid, BHA salicylic acid, and PHA gluconolactone, along with niacinamide and glycerin, which work together to gently exfoliate the skin, clarify pores, and support skin barrier function."

      **CeraVe Moisturizing Cream**

      "This classic product is popular for good reason. It's gentle, effective, and suitable for use from head to toe—and the large jar lasts a long time. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which hydrate and nourish the skin, reinforcing the skin barrier to prevent dryness and irritation. Although the formula is rich, it does not leave a greasy feeling."

      **Bioré UV Aqua Rich Daily Hydrating Facial Moisturizer SPF 50**

      "This lightweight SPF is ideal for those who often skip sunscreen due to its heaviness. It absorbs quickly and can double as a moisturizer and makeup primer, especially for oily skin. As a chemical sunscreen, it doesn’t leave a white residue, and while many chemical sunscreens can irritate, this one is gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin."

      **Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Body Wash**

      "I appreciate this formula because it’s suitable for my whole family, including my kids who have sensitive skin. It's free of fragrance, allergy-tested, and enriched with oat extracts that hydrate and soothe the skin. The formula is also thick enough for shaving."

      **Vaseline Original Healing Jelly**

      "I have used Vaseline throughout my life. It was a staple in my household growing up, and it continues to be essential today. I apply it to various areas: dry elbows and knees, cuticles, diaper rashes when my kids were small, scrapes as

As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products. As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products. As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products. As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products. As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products. As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products. As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products. As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products.

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As a dermatologist, when my patients require a simplified skincare routine, I suggest these five drugstore products.

I requested a board-certified dermatologist to reveal her five favorite skincare products from drugstores, and she complied. Click here to view the complete list.