As a buyer at Dermstore, here are the products I would recommend if I could completely revamp your skincare routine.
(Image credit: Dermstore)
When I seek out high-quality, medical-grade skincare usually available only in medical offices, I head straight to Dermstore. Staying true to its name, this beauty retailer simplifies access to professional-grade treatments at home (it even features a convenient section for HSA/FSA-eligible products), making it an excellent choice if you're in the process of revamping your skincare regimen—especially right now with summer finally arriving. Naturally, you don’t have to discard all your beauty products in preparation for the humid season. However, it is common to swap a few items to prevent your glow from becoming greasy—a summer beauty starter kit, if you will. To help navigate the crowded space of serums, cleansers, and creams, I spoke with two professionals responsible for curating Dermstore's elite collection: Chelsea Strauser, vice president of buying, and Kristy Bomba, senior director of buying. Both experts are well-versed in industry trends, evaluating brands and consumer behavior, and here they share 15 must-haves for a summer skincare routine. Read on for the best-selling products you shouldn't overlook and some hidden gems expected to fly off the shelves soon.
The Best Summer Beauty Products to Purchase at Dermstore
Sunscreens
No summer skincare regimen is complete without an effective sunscreen. "Summer is truly about investing in products that are more beneficial—lightweight, multitasking, protective, and easy to consistently apply. SPF is obviously paramount," notes Bomba. Naming a single best sunscreen is nearly impossible, given everyone's individual preferences for SPF (mineral versus chemical, tinted versus untinted, etc.), but the experts agree that you can’t go wrong with the best-selling formulas from Isdin and Supergoop!.
**ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF 40**
"My daily sunscreen is Isdin [Fusion Water] Magic," says Strauser. Not only does this chemical formula provide SPF 40 protection, but it also hydrates with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and Mediterranean algae. It's so nourishing that theoretically, you could use it alone as a moisturizer, especially in summer when you may want to simplify your skincare routine. Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia mentions that this skin-smoothing solution works perfectly as a universal makeup primer.
**Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50**
"For the body, I always suggest Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 because it's one of those products people use daily when they purchase the larger size," shares Bomba. "It layers beautifully, isn’t sticky, and is suitable for everything from beach visits to casual city walks."
**Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40**
For the face, Bomba highlights the brand's tinted Glow Screen, especially in the Golden Hour shade. "It provides that healthy summer glow without the need for heavier makeup," she observes. "We continue to see consumers favor hybrid products that merge skincare, SPF, and cosmetic benefits in one easy step."
Cleansers
As you apply more SPF, it's essential to focus on cleansing to avoid buildup. "I typically double cleanse more in the summer. With frequent reapplications of sunscreen and increased sweat, it’s vital for me to deeply cleanse every night to prevent breakouts," explains Bomba. Check out her favorite combination below alongside another gentle exfoliating option if you're dealing with clogged pores.
**Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Cleansing Oil**
This cleansing oil is Bomba's first step in her evening routine; it effectively removes all traces of makeup and sunscreen without leaving a greasy residue.
**Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser**
After the oil cleansing step, a water-based cleanser is crucial to wash away the remaining impurities. This Epionce gel offers a thorough, refreshing clean (that menthol is incredibly invigorating!) and contains willow bark extract, a natural alternative to salicylic acid, to clear pores effectively.
**Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser**
"Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser is among my top picks for summer because it efficiently removes makeup, SPF, and debris without stripping the skin," shares Strauser.
Lightweight Hydrators
Put those thick creams away! It's the season for milky serums and lightweight moisturizers. But don’t assume that these formulas compromise hydration for a lighter texture. Bomba's and Strauser's recommendations below will plump the deeper layers of the skin while offering a dewy, never greasy, finish.
**Augustinus Bader The Light Cream**
If you adore the popular Rich Cream, then you'll fall for Augustinus Bader's lighter option. It’s Strauser's summer favorite, utilizing the same patented TFC8 technology to support cellular renewal while maintaining firmness with a triple hydration complex and Australian lemon myrtle extract to reduce inflammation and regulate oil production.
**SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Water Burst Moisturizer**
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As a buyer at Dermstore, here are the products I would recommend if I could completely revamp your skincare routine.
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