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Nov 03, 2024

Best drugstore skin care, per dermatologists | CNN Underscored

You don’t always have to shell out a pretty penny to get great results: Drugstore skin care products are proof of that. Accessible brands like Neutrogena, La Roche Posay and CeraVe offer a wide range

You don’t always have to shell out a pretty penny to get great results: Drugstore skin care products are proof of that. Accessible brands like Neutrogena, La Roche Posay and CeraVe offer a wide range of quality products that you can find at your local pharmacy. To help narrow down your choices (the vast selection can be overwhelming), we tapped five leading dermatologists for their favorite drugstore skin care picks.

So, whether you’re hitting your neighborhood CVS or Target (or, let’s be honest, Amazon Prime), consider slipping any of these products into your cart.

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“This ultra-gentle cleanser can be used on a daily basis or even to remove heavy makeup,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology. “The rich balm formula hydrates and protects the skin while removing soiling without disrupting the skin barrier. Plus, it delivers hyaluronic acid for plumping and moisturizing the skin.”

“Usually, I recommend gel cleansers for combination to oily skin types, but I’ve found that this gel cleanser is gentle enough for even dry, sensitive skin," says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah of SmarterSkin Dermatology. “It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to increase skin hydration and a unique technology to thoroughly wash away makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities without stripping the skin’s moisture and barrier.”

“This cleanser effectively gets rid of dirt and buildup without leaving the skin feeling dry,” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin as well as ceramides that support and strengthen the skin barrier. It is a great option for all skin types, including those with eczema, as it is fragrance-free.”

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Dr. Robert Finney, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Soho Skin and Hair Restoration, recommends this CeraVe wash for acne-prone skin. NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia is also a fan. “This foaming cream cleanser containing 4% benzoyl peroxide works to treat existing acne and prevent the formation of new acne breakouts,” she says. “It’s my go-to product for patients with acne, folliculitis and ingrown hairs.”

Finney also likes this face wash from Neutrogena, saying, “It toes the line between being gentle and still making it feel like your skin is clean.”

For those with ultra-sensitive skin, Rambhia suggests this Vanicream option. “This is a very mild fragrance-free cleanser that is also free of common skin irritants like dyes, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde releasers, sulfates, botanical extracts and essential oils,” she says. “I recommend this to my patients with the most sensitive skin given its bland formula that is unlikely to precipitate or worsen irritation, yet still cleanses effectively.”

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Zeichner likes this serum stick formulated with retinol and THPE, an ingredient that helps to strengthen the skin and reduce sagging.

Shah recommends this serum for anyone with sensitive skin, explaining that it’s formulated with a more stable and gentle form of vitamin C for brightening effects. It’s also free of potential irritants and contains ceramides to help maintain barrier function and prevent dryness.

“This contains 16% pure vitamin C, vitamin E and carnosine, which work together to protect the skin against environmental stressors, helping to improve skin tone, boost radiance and smooth fine lines,” Garshick says. “I love that it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, and [it's fragrance-free and alcohol-free, making it a good option even for those with sensitive skin.”

Finney lauds CeraVe for “creating an affordable vitamin C serum that is not too irritating or oily.”

Rambhia loves this serum because “it combines two types of hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 to deeply hydrate and plump the skin.” While incredibly moisturizing, it’s also lightweight and noncomedogenic for those concerned about acne.

Rambhia likes that this retinol serum contains ceramides to “reinforce the skin barrier.” Coming in a prepackaged biodegradable capsule, Rambhia says, “With consistent use, this product helps promote cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.”

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“This new and improved formula is fragrance-free and delivers a complex of hyaluronic acid, lipids and natural moisturizing factor to pull in hydration to the outer skin layer while offering a breathable protective film over the skin's surface,” Zeichner says.

Formulated with ceramide-3, niacinamide and glycerin, Shah is a fan of this cream’s ability to repair the skin’s natural protective barrier. She also praises it for its “lightweight texture that readily absorbs into the skin and hydrates without leaving the skin feeling greasy or oily.”

Garshick’s go-to for normal and combination skin types, this moisturizer contains a patented micropeptide technology that boosts collagen production. “It helps to firm and plump the skin while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she says.

Finney’s favorite lightweight option, this cream includes niacinamide, which works to minimize redness and irritation for those with temperamental skin.

For those with drier skin, Finney swears by this popular pick. “It’s thicker and creamier but won't break you out,” he says, adding that incorporating it into your routine can help your skin tolerate retinoids better during the winter months. Rambhia also likes this one for the face and body.

Rambhia touts this for its rich peptide formula complete with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide to tackle dry, irritated skin.

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Antioxidants in this sunscreen “neutralize free radical damage and have been shown to be [beneficial] in protecting against the effects of even long-wave UVA and visible light,” Zeichner says. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin to reduce the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles.

Shah recommends this award-winning, oil-free sunscreen formulated with niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and lactic acid for ability to help even skin tone, support the skin barrier, clear pores and reduce shine. “It also allows for smooth application of makeup, and it even comes in a tinted version,” Shah says.

Garshick likes that this sunscreen offers SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's also a good pick for dry skin because “it contains hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and blends easily to leave behind a dewy finish,” she says.

Finney claims this one doesn’t leave a white cast behind and blends into facial hair nicely, making it a great option for guys. “It’s lightweight yet hydrating and perfect for all skin types,” he says.

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“This is a lightweight tinted mineral sunscreen that comes in four shades and offers sheer to medium coverage for a broad range of skin tones, without a white cast,” Rambhia says.

Rambhia recommends this mineral sunscreen — formulated with zinc oxide and ceramides, sans common irritants — to patients with dry, sensitive skin. “It’s a great option for those who want to combine their moisturizer and sunscreen step in the morning to save time,” she says.

Calling it a favorite among dermatologists, Zeichner likes that this cream spreads easily and won’t leave the skin feeling sticky. Ideal for sensitive skin, he says, “The formula contains a blend of niacinamide and panthenol to calm and protect the skin, along with natural oils to soften and hydrate.”

To clean the body, Garshick’s go-to is this wash from Dove. “It not only works to cleanse the skin but also contains ingredients to help replenish moisture to prevent dryness,” she says, adding that it’s also sulfate-free and gentle on the microbiome.

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This is Shah’s recommendation for rough, dry skin. “The hypoallergenic formulation contains a combination of a beta hydroxy acid, an alpha hydroxy acid and a polyhydroxy acid to gently exfoliate while hydrating and preserving the skin barrier for softer, smoother skin,” she says

Another exfoliating cream, this ammonium lactate formula is liked by Rambhia for dry, rough skin and those with conditions like keratosis pilaris. “Regular use can lead to smoother, softer skin and improved overall texture,” she says.