I am a Plastic Surgeon—13 Top-Quality Drugstore Beauty Products I Suggest to My Patients.

      Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly feature where we highlight the underrated and less publicized beauty products from drugstores that are trusted by industry professionals. We're reaching out to influencers, from editors and content creators to celebrities, to share their favorite affordable yet effective products. Get ready to discover the cream of the crop in drugstore beauty.

      (Image credit: Original art by Kennedy Caldwell) I have been a beauty editor for a considerable time (10 years, to be precise), and in my view, plastic surgeons offer some of the most precise beauty insights. They are both aesthetic specialists and medical doctors, placing them in a unique position in the beauty realm to provide top-notch product suggestions. I’m referring to items that genuinely yield visible improvements in one’s appearance, such as an anti-acne retinoid that is clinically proven to manage breakouts or a powerful antioxidant serum known for its ability to brighten and even out skin tone. If you ask for recommendations, they will have answers. Meet Carey Campbell, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at StarkMD. A self-proclaimed "big believer" in medical-grade skincare, she frequently recommends high-quality brands like Alastin, PCA, Revision, ZO Skin Health, EltaMD, and SkinBetter Science to her patients. "However, if patients mention that these brands are not financially accessible, I always prefer that they choose products that fulfill their skincare needs and are of good quality," she explains. This is when she suggests high-quality yet budget-friendly options, her drugstore heroes.

      (Image credit: Carey Campbell) "It’s important to acknowledge that sometimes more affordable products are effective. However, it’s also vital to know when a medical-grade option justifies the higher price," she states. While undiscovered drugstore treasures may not replace luxury recommendations, they can complement them or help create a balanced skincare routine. "With experience, research, and a bit of trial and error, you can discover which products suit your life stage and skin type," she continues. "Look for dermatologist-formulated brands and products that contain the specific active ingredients you require, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol."

      (Image credit: Carey Campbell) "Specific" is the key term. Campbell warns against introducing several active ingredients into your skincare routine simultaneously, particularly potentially irritating ones like vitamin C and retinoids. "Introduce those products gradually. Don't rush into using something designed to boost cell turnover alongside one that exfoliates all at once. Your skin will react irritably, and you might wrongly attribute it to the product itself instead of your application method," she advises. Below, Campbell shares her 13 drugstore heroes, which include cleansers, retinoids, SPF, body oil, and more.

      Campbell's Favorite Drugstore Products

      **Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water**

      "I keep a travel-size bottle in my bag and a larger one at home. I like using it to remove eye makeup without drying out my skin before washing my face. The glycerin helps keep the skin hydrated while cleansing, and the micelles encapsulate dirt and oil. There are also indications that it may enhance skin permeability for other products."

      "This is glycerin-based, making it ideal for more mature, drier skin as it moisturizes while cleansing."

      **Prequel Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum**

      "Containing 15% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and ergothioneine, this is the target alternative to SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. With the patent on CE Ferulic expired, you'll find more similar options emerging. Vitamin C is vital in skincare for combating oxidative stress and photoaging. I find all the Prequel products meet high standards."

      **La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash**

      "This product is suitable for normal to oily skin and effectively cleanses without stripping the skin. It includes ceramides to safeguard the skin barrier, niacinamide to soothe inflammation, and glycerin for hydration."

      **PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash With 10% Benzoyl Peroxide**

      "If you're prone to acne, this benzoyl peroxide face wash is an excellent over-the-counter option that I've personally found helpful."

      **Differin Retinoid Adapalene Gel 0.1%**

      "This is often seen as the gentler sibling of Retin-A. Although designed for acne treatment, it is now available over the counter. It’s a notably milder retinoid, ideal for those struggling to tolerate Retin-A and just beginning with anti-aging retinoids. Though Retin-A remains the gold standard in anti-aging, I use this since I still experience some hormonal breakouts."

      **Maybelline Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid**

      "I came across this lip gloss after I forgot mine and grabbed it at Walgreens. I've repurchased it numerous times