Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and under-hyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. From editors to content creators and even celebs, we’re asking tastemakers to share their top recommendations for affordable, yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.
I've been in the beauty industry for close to a decade now, and I've learned countless lessons along the way. Some of those lessons were things I'd heard over and over again but rarely felt the need to follow in my youth. For example, no matter how much you want to pick that pimple, it will only make it worse. And sunscreen truly is the best anti-aging skincare product—so whatever you do, don't skip it.
Then there’s the classic price tag conundrum: Expensive doesn’t always mean effective. In fact, the opposite can often be true. Some of the best beauty products are found at the drugstore. But don’t just take my word for it—Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, has access to high-tech treatments and big-budget skincare formulas, yet he regularly recommends affordable, accessible options. From a skin-plumping hyaluronic acid serum to an acne-fighting retinoid, keep scrolling to see his expert-approved drugstore picks.
How often do you recommend drugstore skincare products to patients?
Most dermatologists recommend drugstore skincare products on a daily basis. They are convenient, accessibly priced, and often produced by companies with a long history of work and dedication in the skincare industry.
What would you say to someone who thinks drugstore products aren’t as good as luxury options?
Drugstore products will cover the basics of what is needed to maintain healthy skin.
Do you have any tips and tricks for navigating the drugstore skincare aisle? It can be overwhelming!
Go to the drugstore with a plan in mind, such as finding a specific type of product, like a salicylic acid cleanser, for example. Do your research before going to the store to compare prices, read reviews, and have backup options in case the product you are seeking is out of stock.
Camp's All-Time Favorite Drugstore Products
What It Is: A plumping and hydrating hyaluronic acid serum
Why He Recommends It: "Formulated with concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5, this anti-aging hydrating serum helps skin feel softer, suppler, and hydrated."
What It Is: A soothing moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin
Why He Recommends It: "Hyaluronic acid and key ceramides in this fragrance and dye-free daily face moisturizer improve skin hydration and protect the skin barrier."
What It Is: A hair growth/density-boosting treatment
Why He Recommends It: "Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, and it is thought to help hair remain in the growing phase of its growth cycle. Keep in mind that hair products should be used for three to four months before deciding if they are helpful or not as scalp hair grows at a rate of about 1 centimeter per month."
What It Is: Hydrocolloid pimple patches
Why He Recommends It: "Stubborn, inflamed pimples can be targeted with pimple patches like this, which are made with hydrocolloid, an ingredient that absorbs moisture to shrink the size and appearance of acne."
What It Is: A soothing moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin
Why He Recommends It: "Ingredients in this dye-, fragrance-, and alcohol-free face moisturizer include dipeptides, shea butter, glycerin, and thermal spring water, resulting in a creamy, hydrating formula."
What It Is: An oil-controlling face wash
Why He Recommends It: "Foaming cleansers—like this pH-balanced one—offer more surface area with which to gently remove excess oil, dirt, and debris for a shine-free complexion."
What It Is: An SPF-infused lip balm
Why He Recommends It: "Great for sun and snow, this mineral-based sunscreen offers SPF 30 in a smooth, fragrance-free formula that includes antioxidant-rich vitamin E."
What It Is: An anti-acne and anti-aging retinoid
Why He Recommends It: "Marketed as an acne treatment and sometimes used as an anti-aging product, Differin gel is made with adapalene, an over-the-counter retinoid that used to be available only with a prescription."
Camp's drugstore shopping cart comes through at a cool $163. That's impressive, considering it contains eight effective products (iconic French pharmacy, sensitive skin-soothing, and acne-busting ones included).
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