The Best Drugstore Skincare Routines for Every Skin Type
Fact checked by Michelle RegaladoReviewed by Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD
We love luxury skincare as much as the next person, but make no mistake drugstore skincare is also effective and worthwhile. Did you know that many products contain the very same buzzy ingredients that their high-end counterparts do? If you think you can only find hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and charcoal in high-priced brands, think again. We curated a list of the best drugstore skincare products—from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturizers—as determined by Team Byrdie, board-certified dermatologists, and customer ratings and reviews. Keep scrolling to see our picks for complete drugstore skincare routines sorted by skin type.
Meet the Expert
Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City.
Kiran Mian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, then products with hydrating ingredients and emollients are going to be your go-to picks.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($13)
CeraVe's cleansers are recommended by many dermatologists since they're gentle and non-stripping. This one is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid meant to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier (which is why we count on it throughout the winter season).
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air) making them plump.
Clarins Hydrating Toner Lotion with Aloe Vera ($30)
"What I love about this toner is that it’s alcohol-free so it doesn’t strip extra hydration from skin and it also doesn’t disrupt the skin pH minimizing any inflammation," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. The addition of aloe vera extract adds some hydration for dry skin types, too.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel ($19)
Follow up the toner with Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid, which provides intense hydration. It also has a lightweight texture, which makes it perfect for summer.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist ($15)
If your skin feels tight and dehydrated come midday, turn to this Milky Mist, which is a hydrating face mist that comforts and plumps the surface of the skin. As one reviewer puts it, "Just from one use, my dry skin was instantly hydrated. I use it in both the morning and at night and my skin is absolutely amazing. I really recommend this product for everyday use and it's worth the money you're spending. You also get a lot of product so don't worry about running out fast. Buy this product and watch your dry skin instantly change."
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Sheet Mask ($3)
"Dry skin can be flaky, often with dead skin cell build up and face masks are great for dry skin as they are a boost of hydration," says dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian. "I love Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrogel mask as it has hyaluronic acid and is moisturizing while the calming effects of mushroom extract and algae help soothe dry, parched skin."
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
If your skin is prone to oil and acne either through uncontrollable elements (genetics, hormones, the environment) or due to your diet and skincare routine, you might need more effective ingredients that are meant to absorb oil.
Bioré Deep Charcoal Cleanser ($7)
Charcoal
Activated charcoal is created from carbon-rich materials burned at high temperatures, like coal, coconut shells, and wood. In skincare, there are claims that it binds to and removes impurities from the skin, but more research is needed.
Like we said before, you can get your hands on buzzy skincare ingredients at the drugstore. Take this Bioré cleanser, which uses activated charcoal meant to deep-clean and remove pore-clogging impurities, reducing the appearance of pores.
Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner ($19)
According to Mian, oily skin is often congested and can benefit from chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid. She loves La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Clarifying solution, "as its blend of salicylic acid and glycolic acid help unclog pores and reduce oiliness without over drying the skin."
Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer ($13)
People with oily skin know that the skin needs moisture, but not heavy moisture. This Cetaphil pick hydrates the skin so it doesn't overproduce oil and lead to an oil-slick complexion by lunchtime. It even has SPF 30 to protect against sun damage.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face Mask ($22)
Specifically for oily skin types, this mask from La Roche-Posay is formulated with kaolin clay and glycerin to remove surface oil without being over-drying. It's Nazarian's pick for the perfect balance for oily skin types or acne prone skin.
Sensitive Skin
Gentle is the keyword here if you have sensitive skin, as you don't want to further upset skin with redness, irritation, and inflammation.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser ($8)
With sensitive skin, you can't be too careful when reading the ingredient list. This Vanicream cleanser is formulated for sensitive skin, which means what it contains is just as important as what it doesn't. In the case of the latter, the ingredients' list is lacking any lanolin, fragrance, dye, parabens, or preservatives. How's that for gentle?
CeraVe Hydrating Toner ($10)
"The best toner for sensitive skin will have soothing ingredients that help calm inflammation," says Mian, whose pick is CeraVe's Hydrating Toner. "It not only has ceramides that will help strengthen the skin barrier, but niacinamide as well, which is a powerful antioxidant that has calming properties, perfect for sensitive skin."
S.W. Basics Oil Serum ($26)
S.W. Basics is a Byrdie team favorite. The brand produces clean, nontoxic skincare products that have easy-to-read (and short) ingredients' lists. This oil-based serum has only four ingredients—avocado, geranium, turmeric, and coffee oils. It's cruelty-free, organic, and anti-inflammatory.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Care Face Moisturizer ($31)
La Roche Posay is a famous French pharmacy brand that's available at Target. This daily face moisturizer is formulated for sensitive skin, which means it's preservative- and fragrance-free. It's also dermatologist-tested. "This moisturizer is light and feels good on my skin," writes one reviewer. "I have been using it daily and my skin feels soft and not greasy. I am sensitive around my eyes, and this does not irritate them at all. This is a great value too."
Combination Skin
Although there is no "normal" when it comes to skin, the term functions to cover that gray area in between sensitive, oily, and dry. If you don't fit into any of those categories, you probably fit into this one.
Simple Facial Wash ($6)
Simple's face wash is like the little black dress of face wash. It's cleansing, moisturizing, and (you guessed it) simple, making it a perfect pick for those with combination skin. Ingredients like chamomile soothe and vitamins B5 and E help maintain skin's natural barrier.
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner ($24)
According to Nazarian, this pick from Paula's Choice is the perfect toner to balance combination skin. "It uses niacinamide to help decrease inflammation for sensitive skin, it’s lightweight, which works well with oily skin, and it’s super refreshing and hydrating for dry skin," she says.
Pixi Overnight Glow Serum ($24)
Why not get a little glow on? This overnight serum is formulated with vitamins A, C, and E, along with glycolic acid meant to exfoliate and brighten. "I literally never write reviews but this stuff is amazing. My skin has never looked so glowy and evenly toned," says one customer.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($18)
Stick with the glowing skin suggestion by using Aveeno's daily moisturizer with SPF 15 to protect against superficial sun damage, while soy complex helps even and illuminate the complexion. How does that saying go? If it's good enough for Jennifer Aniston, then it's good enough for us.
The Final Takeaway
Remember, these aren't end-all solutions for skincare. Everyone's skin is different and what works for one person might not work for another. If you're not sure what category you fit into, or would like a routine a little more specific to your skin and its needs, consult with your dermatologist. Nonetheless, this is a good starting point for developing a customized routine of your own.
Up Next: The 12 Best Skincare Products at Target of 2023
Read the original article on Byrdie.
