With all nonessential businesses closed in many cities across the country, Amazon delivery delays of up to a month, and rising money concerns, now seems like a pretty good time to familiarize yourself with the drugstore skin-care aisle. If you haven’t browsed it recently, you may be surprised by how expansive and high-quality the options are, says Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Many of the ingredients used in prestige versus mass are the same and have similar science and research behind them. I truly believe you do not need to spend a fortune to have healthy, glowing skin,” she says.
We asked Dr. Marchbein, who calls herself “the queen of drugstore beauty,” to put together a shopping list to take with you the next time you make a toilet paper run. Here are her under-$30 picks for building a complete drugstore anti-aging skin-care routine.
Cleanser
“I wash my face with an ultra gentle cleanser twice daily, as I have both adult female acne and eczema,” says Dr. Marchbein. “My favorites include Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Foaming Cleanser [$9.99], CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser [$10.99], and Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash [$9.99].”
Vitamin C serum
Dr. Marchbein says that vitamin C is a category that’s “often worth splurging on,” but if it’s not in the budget, she recommends Olay Tone Perfection Serum ($28.99). The fragrance-free formula has niacinamide and vitamin C, to hydrate and strengthen the moisture barrier while brightening spots and discoloration.
Related: How Dermatologists Recommend Handling Skin Irritation From All That Handwashing
Lightweight/A.M. moisturizer
“Look for ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, dimethicone, and hyaluronic acid in your moisturizing creams,” says Dr. Marchbein. For day, she likes Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($21.49), a lightweight, quick-absorbing, oil-free gel that packs in three essential hydrators. Don’t forget to add a sunscreen on top.
SPF
If you prefer a moisturizer with built-in SPF, try Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 50 ($11.99). “It’s noncomedogenic, has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage, and contains antioxidants vitamin E and B5,” says Dr. Marchbein. Her other favorites:
Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($13.12) and CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 ($18.99).
Heavy/P.M. moisturizer
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin ($14.49) is a cult classic for a reason: its rich formula with hyaluronic acid and ceramides is deeply nourishing for 24 hours and won’t irritate even the most sensitive skin. It works just as well on the face as it does on dry knees and elbows.
Related: The Drugstore Skin-Care Products a Dermatologist with Dry Skin Actually Uses
Retinoid
“Whether you use over-the-counter or prescription-strength, retinoids are an essential part of any skin-care routine. They work by increasing collagen production as well as the rate of skin cell turnover and are highly effective at improving the texture of skin and giving it a glow, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and even decreasing pore size,” says Dr. Marchbein. “Differin Adapalene 0.1% Gel [$12.99] is, in my opinion, the best of the OTC retinoids.” She recommends easing in by applying a pea-size amount to the entire face 30 minutes after cleansing, three nights a week. “Dryness and peeling can be expected for four to six weeks,” she notes.
Body moisturizer
“La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream [$14.99] is a deeply moisturizing cream for body and face that contains oatmeal and niacinamide, to soothe and hydrate skin,” says Dr. Marchbein.
